North Melbourne vice-captain Harry Sheezel speaks on Luke Davies-Uniacke’s future
North Melbourne vice-captain Harry Sheezel has detailed the difference he has seen in a star teammate who enters a year in which he is out of contract.
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North Melbourne vice-captain Harry Sheezel says out-of-contract superstar Luke Davies-Uniacke has shown how invested he is in the club this pre-season.
Davies-Uniacke, 25, is in the last year of his deal and will become one of the competition’s most sought-after free agents if he doesn’t extend before season’s end.
Sheezel spoke at Marvel Stadium after a slate of questions aimed at Carlton’s out-of-contract big man Tom De Koning and joked he was rapt to be locked in until 2030.
But he showed confidence in Davies-Uniacke also re-signing, pointing out the star midfielder’s commitment as a leader.
“I am glad I am locked in so I don’t have to answer these questions about contracts and everything,” Sheezel laughed.
“Luke is in a similar position, he loves the club, I am not too sure on how it will pan out in terms of the contract, but he is focused on what he can do for us at the moment.
“This year compared to other years, I’ve noticed he’s just so invested in our group from a leader’s perspective and helping out us young midfielders.
“I think he just ultimately wants success and I have no doubt if we win a few games early on he will sign the contract and he’ll lock into the Roos.”
Sheezel said Davies-Uniacke was one of the many Roos hopeful of more success and cheekily labelled his extension a “when” rather than an “if”.
“He’s been through the tough times, Luke, ever since he got drafted really,” he said.
“It’s been pretty rough in terms of wins at the club, but he loves the club so much and loves us players so much, and like I said, he’s giving so much back to the club.
“I am sure he just wants us to be successful, like other players like Nick Larkey showing faith, Cam Zurhaar, Jy Simpkin, all signing long-term deals.
“We all love the club, we all want the club to succeed and are working so hard for it to turn around – Luke is definitely a part of that.
“Hopefully, when he signs the contract it will be locked in.”
North Melbourne won three games last season to match its three wins in 2023.
But there is growing optimism at Arden St after a strong draft and trade period brought in Finn O’Sullivan (Pick 2) and premiership players Luke Parker (Sydney), Jack Darling (West Coast) and Caleb Daniel (Western Bulldogs).
Sheezel is itching for the season to start, saying “it’s definitely time” for North Melbourne to show growth.
“We’re really optimistic, as most teams are at this time of the year, just really keen to get into playing some opposition this week in the Demons to see where we’re at,” he said.
“Very optimistic about the year, it’s definitely time we can start climbing the ladder, it’s been a rough couple of years but, yeah, very optimistic.”
Originally published as North Melbourne vice-captain Harry Sheezel speaks on Luke Davies-Uniacke’s future
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