North Melbourne's 2026 season has had moments of disappointment, but it has also had some genuine development and bright sparks for the first time in nearly a decade.
Finally, the green shoots are growing into trees and the performances of Finn O'Sullivan, Cooper Trembath, George Wardlaw and more make the Roos the most exciting trade proposition they have been since the mid-2010s.
Add into the mix Luke Davies-Uniacke, Harry Sheezel, Nick Larkey, Tristan Xerri and Charlie Comben and the club is starting to look more and more like a finals quality side.
So who are the trade targets for North Melbourne this off-season? Let's hope to the high heavens it includes some key defenders.
Nick Murray (Adelaide)
Murray is nearly the exact same target as Butts, only North Melbourne would have to trade for him as he is contracted until the end of 2028.
The 25-year-old has played 77 games since joining the Crows in 2021 as a pre-season supplemental selection.
Murray is a similar lockdown defender to Butts, but has struggled with injuries and form in recent years.
Is originally from along the New South Wales and Victoria border, playing for Wangaratta Rovers in the Ovens and Murray League.
While the Roos would have to trade for Murray, if Adelaide was to retain Butts it wouldn't cost North Melbourne much to acquire Murray's services one would think.
