PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 25: Josh Goater of the Kangaroos in action during the round 2 AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and North Melbourne Kangaroos at Optus Stadium, on March 25, 2023, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Drafted at pick 22, Josh Goater is fulfilling his lifelong goal by adding two more years to his contract at North Melbourne which is now set to expire at the end of 2025.

Whilst he has had to endure having a lengthy stint in the VFL before his debut against the Gold Coast Suns in Round 23 of last year, it proved to be the right decision. His first game consisted of 21 disposals, five marks, and three tackles while simultaneously having four scoring involvements in a 67-point thrashing by the Suns.

This year, Goater has added three more games to his tally and looks poised to be a regular in the lineup.

Brady Rawlings, head of North Melbournes football talent department, spoke to NMFC Media sharing his excitement on the news.

"We are rapt to add Josh to the growing list of young players to recommit to the club."

"Josh made great strides over the pre-season with his strength and endurance and has shown the flexibility to play a few different roles for us."

"We look forward to watching his take further steps in his development over the next couple of years."

The extension of Goater sees the third player from North's 2021 draft class re-sign to the club this year, with the young flanker joinng Miller Bergman and Jackson Archer.

Goater is currently averaging 15 disposals, four marks, and 1.5 tackles so far in his career.