AFL 2022: North Melbourne fends off Essendon to re-sign in-demand power forward Cam Zurhaar

One of North Melbourne’s most promising young players has re-committed ahead

Cam Zurhaar has re-committed to North Melbourne until at least the end of the 2024 season. Picture: Getty Images

2-0 North Melbourne.

The Kangaroos have retained in-demand power forward Cam Zurhaar for two more seasons despite keen rival interest, particularly from Essendon.

It’s North second major victory over the Bombers in recent weeks after also beating them to four-time premiership coach Alastair Clarkson’s signature.

Zurhaar, 24, has become the ideal foil for key forward Nick Larkey in attack, kicking 65 goals across the past two seasons despite the Roos collecting consecutive wooden spoons in that time.

He paused contract talks in May until season’s end – triggering speculation he might jump ship – but he dropped a strong hint of his intentions after a career-best six-goal haul in the round 18 win over Richmond.

Cam Zurhaar adds energy, toughness and goalkicking nous to the Roos’ forward line. Picture: Getty Images

“We’ve got some extremely exciting talents and I’m excited to see where they go,” Zurhaar told News Corp at the time.

“I believe a lot in the young boys and we’ve got some serious talent but, unfortunately, we just don’t have the top-end talent and a bit of maturity.

“But I’m sure in the next two years we will be competing with the top sides.”

Zurhaar was originally a rookie draft selection from Western Australia but he has steadily emerged as one of North Melbourne’s most important and promising players.

He brings a much-needed toughness to the forward line and has become a more consistent contributor in recent seasons.

Cam Zurhaar enjoyed his best season yet in 2022. Picture: Getty Images

Zurhaar kicked a personal-high 34 goals across 19 games this year, on top of averaging 12 disposals, six contested possessions and five score involvements.

North Melbourne list and recruiting manager Brady Rawlings was understandably thrilled to keep Zurhaar at Arden Street.

“We know there was significant interest in Cam from opposition clubs, so it’s a great show of confidence in where we are headed as a football club that he has decided to remain with us for at least two more years,” Rawlings said.

“Cam is a player of high calibre, who we see playing a big part in our future. We look forward to seeing where he can take his football.”

Young Roo locked in as big list calls await

North Melbourne has locked away another important part of its future but big list decisions still remain ahead of what promises to be a frenetic trade period for the Kangaroos.

Curtis Taylor played every match this year in a career-best season on the wing and has re-signed until the end of 2024, joining the likes of Ben Cunnington, Tarryn Thomas and Tristan Xerri in extending his stay.

In-demand forward Cam Zurhaar and Aaron Hall are also expected to remain at the club on two- and one-year deals, respectively.

That still leaves veteran ruckman Todd Goldstein, Bailey Scott, Jed Anderson, Flynn Perez, Lachie Young, Kayne Turner, Josh Walker and Atu Bosenavulagi without a contract for next season.

Alastair Clarkson’s arrival as the new senior coach sparked an aggressive recruiting hunt, with Brad Hill, Junior Rioli, Griffin Logue, Tanner Bruhn and Ben Long among the players on North’s radar.

The Roos have pick one in the draft for the second year in a row but their second selection isn’t until No.55 after trades with Richmond and Western Bulldogs.

Could Griffin Logue be a Kangaroo in 2023? Picture: Getty Images

North Melbourne’s list management team is open to ‘splitting’ the top selection to bring in more picks that could be used to bring in mature-age reinforcements, assuming they can be convinced to head to Arden Street.

Taylor, 22, averaged 15 disposals this year and has played 41 of his 52 matches in the past two seasons, cementing him as a senior regular.

“Curtis has found his place and really settled into his role on the wing this year,” Kangaroos list and recruiting manager Brady Rawlings said.

“For the first time in his short career, he played every game across the home and away season, giving him the ability to find real consistency with his football.

“Curtis has proved himself to be a team player, he brings excitement and energy to our group and has shown he is invested in North Melbourne.

“We look forward to him being part of our future.”

Originally published as AFL 2022: North Melbourne fends off Essendon to re-sign in-demand power forward Cam Zurhaar