North Melbourne has committed to Charlie Comben until the end of 2033 following a six-year extension.
Comben has quickly become a focal point of the Kangaroos' defence, and was set to come out of contract next year, opening the door for rivals and Tasmania to make a play.
The "resilient" defender has turned his back on free agency, locking up a long-term deal to remain at Arden Street, joining the likes of Paul Curtis (2033), Luke Davies-Uniacke (2032), Tristan Xerri (2031) and Harry Sheezel (2030) to sign until 2030 and beyond.
The Devils were deemed a potential landing spot for Comben as they look to build their list ahead of their AFL entry in 2028.
"Charlie has shown great resilience and work ethic, and to see him develop into one of our most reliable and impactful key defenders has been incredibly rewarding," North Melbourne head of football talent Brady Rawlings said.
“Charlie has great passion for this club and its direction and has grown into a highly respected figure within our walls.
“His elevation to the leadership group this year reflects the character and standard he sets for our young group, and he will be a fundamental part of the club for a long time.”
Drafted with Pick 31 in 2019, Comben didn't establish himself in the senior side until 2024, when he finished seventh in North's best and fairest.
Through injury and form, the 25-year-old was limited to nine games up until that season, but has added 57 since, establishing himself as a top-end interceptor in the AFL.
There is a watch on Comben this week at North Melbourne after he came from the ground late after a collision in last week's loss to St Kilda, impacting his chest. He was sent to hospital and will need to pass fitness tests to face Hawthorn in Tasmania.
