North Melbourne's recently appointed AFL coach Jaymie Graham says Zane Duursma is a required player despite his desire to join Melbourne during the trade period.
Graham was unveiled as Alastair Clarkson's replacement on Tuesday and made his presence felt immediately by calling Duursma to discuss his future at the Kangaroos.
"Hopeful (of him staying)," Graham said on SEN.
"I had a quick conversation. He's away at the moment.
"Clearly, he's a fair way down the path since walking in the door. I wanted to reach out and talk about the environment we're going to look to create as a club and as a coaching group.
"He can take me at face value and listen. I did have the conversation. He's a required player. His talent and skill and his ability to connect inside 50 is really important for us."
The Demons have put forward three separate trade packages for Duursma: Pick 47, a 2027 second-round selection and a 2028 second-round pick.
The 21-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance in the three years since, but form, consistency and performance have left him falling in and out of the side.
Duursma has played 38 games and kicked 28 goals in his three seasons at the club.
Graham also revealed he'll jump on the phone to talk to North Melbourne trade target and Adelaide defender Nick Murray.
The Kangaroos will look to bolster their defensive profile and tabled their 2027 first-round pick for Murray, as well as the Crows' future second-round selection.
Adelaide has rejected the offer and is adamant about keeping the contracted tall at West Lakes.
Graham identified the need to improve the Kangaroos' defence, and has some ideas he'll look to implement at Arden Street.
"I believe the three phases (defence, offence and contest) co-exist and they complement each other the way you set the ground up; however, I have identified some team defence opportunities for our team, and if we can turn the ball over closer to goal, we can really bring our game to life," he said.
"I'm keen to work with the coaching group in collaboration on what we want to target."
