The crucial cogs of AFL's Round 7: Which players need to be the difference makers?
We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
Another in-demand forward has been taken off the AFL market, with Mason Wood signing a four-year contract extension to stay at North Melbourne.
Wood, a promising 22-year-old who has played only 16 games because of North’s depth, was reportedly pursued by Essendon, Fremantle and Brisbane.
But the Kangaroos announced new deals for Wood and Lindsay Thomas on Sunday, with the former staying at the club until at least the end of the 2020 season.
“We began talks several weeks ago and Mason was always keen to stay at Arden Street,” North list manager Cameron Joyce told the club website.
“He has a very bright future at North.”
The news comes three days after Adelaide’s Josh Jenkins and Melbourne’s Jack Watts both signed long-term deals with their current clubs.
It means there are few options left for clubs like the Lions, who are desperate to beef up their attack in the off-season.
Richmond pair Tyrone Vickery and Ben Griffiths, and Carlton’s Levi Casboult are all coming off contract and could be targeted.
North also revealed on Sunday that small forward Thomas had penned a two-year deal that will run until the end of 2018.
Thomas booted five goals in the Kangaroos’ win over Collingwood on Friday night but coach Brad Scott was just as impressed with the way the 28-year-old addressed his fellow forwards at halftime.
“When I first met Lindsay I couldn’t get two words out of him. Now he’s holding court in meetings,” Scott said.
“He really is an inspiration to a lot of people.
“He’s a star .. it’s an absolute credit to himself and his family.”
The Kangaroos are yet to make a call on whether veterans Brent Harvey, who will on Saturday break the AFL’s games record when he plays his 427th match, and Drew Petrie will play on in 2017.
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We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
Collingwood premiership defender Nathan Murphy has been forced into a premature and immediate AFL retirement through concussion to prioritise a "full and healthy life"…
North Melbourne will wear black armbands in Sunday afternoon's clash with Geelong in honour of former player and club director Kerry Good's daughter Ashlee,…
Geelong has been crafty and creative in its list management and has quietly assembled a very exciting young group of midfielders and half-forwards.
Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale will be looking to lead his team to a victory against Melbourne in what will be his 250th AFL game.