Samson Ryan and Elijah Tsatas are tipped to become North Melbourne players in 2027, extending their AFL careers despite being delisted in the past month.

Tsatas, a former Pick 5, struggled to cement his midfield role at Essendon, playing 22 games since 2022.

The on-baller spent most of his time in the VFL, with Brad Scott favouring other midfielders ahead of him.

Tsatas was previously linked to the Kangaroos while under contract at the Tullamarine club, but no move ever eventuated.

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GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 02: Elijah Tsatas of the Bombers in action during the round 12 AFL match between Gold Coast Suns and Essendon Bombers at People First Stadium, on June 02, 2024, in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

AFL Media is expecting the 22-year-old to sign with North Melbourne as a delisted free agent once the period opens on November 2.

The same can be said for Ryan, who left Richmond after 31 games in the past six seasons, playing as a ruck-forward throughout his time at Punt Road.

The tall prospect felt the squeeze following the inclusion of GWS ruckman Kieren Briggs, while the Tigers are looming as draft gun Harry Van Hattum's landing spot after securing a second top five pick in next month's draft.

The Kangaroos' interest in Ryan would provide depth to the key forward and ruck positions, but also free up Cooper Trembath.

Trembath's development and athleticism pushed him into the second ruck role, assisting Tristan Xerri with the duties.

Ryan's attributes suit the unique position perfectly while also playing a foil inside 50 alongside Nick Larkey and Jack Darling.

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MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 06: Samson Ryan of the Tigers celebrates kicking a goal during the round eight AFL match between Richmond Tigers and West Coast Eagles at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on May 06, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

North Melbourne opened up multiple lost spots following a host of departures.

The Kangaroos bid farewell to their top five pick this off-season, with Zane Duursma being traded to Melbourne. Duursma joined Callum Coleman-Jones (delisted), Brayden George (delisted), Josh Goater (Hawthorn Hawks), Robert Hansen Jr (delisted) and Bailey Scott (delisted) in departing the Arden Street side this year.

Zac Fisher, Cooper Harvey and Luke Urquhart were also added to the departing list earlier this week.

Fisher was delisted despite having one more year left on his contract.

North Melbourne added Sydney speedster Nick Blakey via the trade period, and with Tsatas and Ryan expected to join him, the club has added some much-needed experience.

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