'Inspirational': Roos young gun is so good he even gets Kane Cornes to praise a North player
Kane Cornes had rave reviews for George Wardlaw after his performance in the Kangaroos' loss to St Kilda.
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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