AFL: Big-money recruit Jared Polec on North Melbourne’s rookie list with club legend Glenn Archer’s son coming in draft

The son of one of North Melbourne’s greatest players looks set to land at Arden Street for the 2022 AFL season.

Jackson Archer, son of North Melbourne great Glenn in action, will join the Kangaroos. Picture: Michael Klein

North Melbourne is set to draft the son of legendary Shinboner Glenn Archer after he nominated the Kangaroos as his preferred destination ahead of next month’s AFL draft.

Jackson Archer is set to join the Kangas who also delisted big money recruit Jared Polec, with a commitment to take the left-footer in the rookie draft.

Only Brent Harvey and Drew Petrie have played more games for the Kangaroos than Archer’s father Glenn, whose 311 appearances for the club included its two most recent premiership victories in 1996 and 1999.

Like his father, Jackson Archer, 18, is a medium-sized defender. He played his junior football at Park Orchards Sharks and represented the Northern Knights in the NAB League this year.

North Melbourne’s general manager of football Brady Rawlings said Archer’s potential had impressed the club.

“We’ve naturally kept a close eye on Jackson and he’s worked hard to earn this opportunity,” he said.

“When you see him play you know straight away whose son he is. He’s aggressive and highly competitive – it’s a good foundation to build on in today’s footy.”

Glenn Archer with son Jackson in 2006 when he was five.

Jackson Archer, the son of North Melbourne legend Glenn, has set his sights on Arden St after nominating as a father-son prospect.

— North Melbourne (@NMFCOfficial) October 28, 2021

The Kangaroos confirmed their intention to delist Polec, who made a big-money switch from Port Adelaide in 2019, to select him in the rookie draft.

This will allow the club to clear space on its list for another young player to be selected in the national draft.

North Melbourne holds picks 1, 20, 42, 47, 72 and 77 at the draft, which begins on November 24.

“We’ve obviously got a couple of premium selections at the top end of the draft, but having more picks after that provides a great opportunity to bring in some talented players who lacked exposure over the past two Covid-affected seasons,” Rawlings said.

“Once we get past the national draft, we’ll call Jared’s name out in the rookie draft. 

“Jared’s co-operation with this list option has been appreciated and will not affect his opportunities at AFL level in any way.”

Polec has played 40 games for North Melbourne since joining the club from Port but was hampered by hamstring complaints this season.

Ahead of David Noble’s second season as senior coach, North Melbourne has welcomed tall forward Callum Coleman-Jones from Richmond into its ranks and looks likely to select Jason Horne-Francis with the first pick of the draft.

Originally published as AFL: Big-money recruit Jared Polec on North Melbourne’s rookie list with club legend Glenn Archer’s son coming in draft