2022 No.4 draft pick George Wardlaw has reportedly opened up contract discussions with the Kangaroos, with the inside midfielder potentially becoming the next young Roo to re-sign at Arden Street.
North Melbourne were quick to have rookie sensation Harry Sheezel add a further two seasons to his contract just days after a stellar AFL debut, while second-year players Miller Bergman and Jackson Archer have also recommitted to the club in recent weeks.
Without a game to his name at senior level, Wardlaw's focus has been set on building his workload in the VFL, making his debut in the Roos' season opener against Port Melbourne and featuring in a further two outings to impress at the state league level.
Senior coach Alastair Clarkson has stressed the need for Wardlaw to work through a set program before making a debut in the top flight, with the Oakleigh Chargers product having battled hamstring injuries across the past 12 months.
Wardlaw has started the year in good stead for the Roos' reserves, averaging 17 possessions and just under a goal per game from his trio of appearances.
The short pool of minutes has been enough for the club to open contract negotiations with Wardlaw and his management, with AFL.com.au revealing talks between both parties have begun.
Much like Sheezel's deal, North Melbourne are keen to add a further two years to Wardlaw's contract, a move that would see the tough onballer locked in at the Kangaroos until the end of the 2026 season.
The Roos have a number of key names that will be an off-field focus throughout the course of this season, with free agent Ben McKay, young tall Charlie Comben and fringe defender Aiden Bonar among those off-contract this year.
One club linked to McKay's services is Port Adelaide, who are currently looking to re-sign a pair of their own players for the future.
Out-of-contract duo Miles Bergman and Mitch Georgiades will both have their current contracts expire this season, with the latter likely to gain widespread interest, particularly from Western Australian clubs.
Georgiades has struggled to find the form that had him so highly rated in his debut season, with the 21-year-old Subiaco product having plied his trade in the SANFL after being dropped by Ken Hinkley ahead of Round 3.
Bergman has managed to secure his spot in the Power's best side to start this season, with the versatile flanker averaging 17.25 disposals, 5.75 marks, 3.00 inside 50s and 3.25 rebound 50s from his four matches so far in 2023.
Speaking on Gettable, Port Adelaide football boss Chris Davies said the club is keen to secure the pair of youngsters beyond 2023.
"We would certainly want to tie 'George' down to a deal at some point during the year, but first and foremost for him right now will be getting back into the AFL team," Davies said on Georgiades.
"Miles is showing some really strong performances at AFL level. He was drafted early and we went into that draft period hoping he would get to our pick No.14 at the time.
"To have him playing high-quality AFL football is fantastic. He looks like he's a real player at the level. We'll work with his management over the next period of time to hopefully lock him in.
"Historically we haven't lost too many guys that we want to keep and hopefully both 'George' and Miles can have long careers at Port Adelaide."
Port Adelaide will be hoping to extend their winning spell at Gather Round this weekend when they host the Western Bulldogs at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
