North Melbourne free agent Cameron Zurhaar has been left "sick and tired of losing" after a lean few seasons at Arden Street, with the Kangaroos livewire keen to play finals before the end of his career.
While only 25 years of age and with plenty of football left in his career, Zurhaar is yet to get a taste of September football across seven seasons in the blue and white.
The fiery half-forward has won just 24 of his 99 career games, with 10 of those victories coming in 2019 alone.
The frustrating start to Zurhaar's career has only fed his hunger for finals, with North Melbourne's leaders set to be left unsatisfied with another low-ladder finish.
"I just wanna win games. I want to play finals. That's the end goal," Zurhaar told media.
"I'm coming into my eighth year now, I don't wanna be at the bottom for the rest of my career.
"... We've obviously lost a lot. Me, Souv (Nick Larkey) and Jy (Simpkin) all came in the same year and we're all senior players now.
"We're all sick and tired of losing. We just want to make our mark on the game and play finals. That's what I'm here to do."
While Zurhaar's finals plea might be seen as a warning to the Roos ahead of a looking free agency decision, the Western Australian is set to play his part in pushing results with a focus on football.
A key retention piece for the Roos in 2024 alongside the likes of Bailey Scott and Tarryn Thomas, Zurhaar is hoping his football can do the talking and potentially satisfy his hunger for success simultaneously.
"I love this playing group. I'm having a lot of fun here. Pre-season has been challenging this year, very hard, but I'm loving every single session," he added.
"I am loving my time at the Kangas, hopefully we can get some wins on the board.
"If I play good footy this year [my future] will take care of itself. I'm just gonna play footy."
While the Roos' midfield stocks were only strengthened over the off-season, Zurhaar is set for more action further up the field as he looks to remain in the game and avoid being isolated as a deep forward.
The arrival of Zac Fisher, Dylan Stephens and top draftee Colby McKercher is set to lead to a selection squeeze in Alastair Clarkson's midfield ensemble, with Zurhaar adding to the champion coach's rotations.
"I'll be rolling through the mid. Half-forward and a bit of full-forward as well. A bit of everywhere," Zurhaar said of his role for 2024.
"Footy's a weird game. There's some quarters that you're not gonna get close to the footy, getting up around the footy and getting touches is crucial for me."
Zurhaar and the Roos are set for a pair of practice matches against Collingwood and St Kilda from later this month before making the trip to GIANTS Stadium to face GWS in Round 1.
