AFL: Harry Sheezel to remain at North Melbourne until 2030

North Melbourne star Harry Sheezel has revealed the motivation behind a surprise second contract extension before his second season in the AFL.

Harry Sheezel isn’t going anywhere, extending is North Melbourne contract for a further four years through to the end of 2030. Picture: Daniel Pockett / Getty Images

North Melbourne’s Rising Star winner Harry Sheezel hopes his massive commitment to the Kangaroos can “breed success” and take the club to a flag within seven years.

Already contracted until 2026, Sheezel extended his contract for four more years until the end of 2030 in a huge show of faith to the club after it finished 17th in his brilliant debut season.

Sheezel, 19, not only won the Rising Star award in 2023 but took out the Roos’ best and fairest as he seamlessly adjusted to senior football in a creative role off halfback.

The former No. 3 pick said him and teammates were “desperate” to return the club to premiership contention as he was optimistic the side was improving at a “quick rate” on the eve of its second season under Alastair Clarkson.

“Ever since I walked in the door I’ve just loved the place, loved the players, loved the coaching staff and just the whole environment, the club has made me feel so welcome,” Sheezel said on Thursday.

As happy as Harry ⭐️

Sheez has extended his stay at Arden Street until at least 2030!#Kangas

— North Melbourne FC (@NMFCOfficial) February 28, 2024

“The group as well, we’re really developing at a quick rate I think … we’ve got a couple more draftees in this year who are going to help us grow.

“We don’t have too much evidence at the moment, but I’m sure we’re going to build that pretty soon and I’m excited to see where that takes us.”

Sheezel said he hoped fellow recent top-10 picks including George Wardlaw, Colby McKercher and Zane Duursma would follow his lead and remain at the club for the long-term.

“It’s so exciting hearing all those names … hopefully they all stay around as well and we can really build something special together,” he said.

“If we all stay together and build some experience, that’s how we’re going to get better, climb the ladder and hopefully breed some success.

Harry Sheezel is set to be a Kangaroo until at least the end of 2030 after signing a major contract extension ahead of his second season. Picture: Daniel Pockett / Getty Images

“First thing that comes to mind is hopefully premiership player … that’s the main goal for me and I’m sure that’s the goal for most of the boys here, that’s something we’re really desperate for.

“Obviously the club hasn’t been going too well the last few years and we’re just so keen to turn that around, so that’s definitely the number one goal.”

North Melbourne list boss Brady Rawlings said the club was excited to secure Sheezel’s future after locking in star foward Nick Larkey and co-captain Jy Simpkin on long-term contracts.

“We’re absolutely rapt to have a player and person of Harry’s calibre sign on until at least the end of 2030,” he said.

“We’ve loved what we’ve seen from him so far, and at 19, he’s only scratched the surface of what he’s capable of.

“His decision to join the likes of Jy Simpkin and Nick Larkey in committing to the club long term is a great show of confidence in the future of the club, and we can’t wait to see what the next seven years hold with him here.”

Originally published as AFL: Harry Sheezel to remain at North Melbourne until 2030