The hunt for North’s next young crop of stars is already well underway, despite the 2017 NAB AFL Draft taking place just three months ago.

North’s National Recruiting Manager Mark Finnigan was one of nine club representatives who travelled to the US last month to scout the country’s best young prospects.

“The boys were on a high-performance camp and trained at world class facilities at the IMG Academy in Florida, and the prestigious UCLA in Los Angeles,” Finnigan explained to North Media.

“They were there to experience different training environments, learn how to prepare and adjust to different venues and develop both on and off the field.”

For Finnigan, it’s important to see these teenagers outside of their comfort zone, and observe how they behave in a foreign environment.

“We watched how they adapted and coped with intense training after travel, and how they integrated with each other and the coaches,” Finnigan said.

“It was good to see them in a different environment and to be able to observe and watch how they go about everything over a two week period.”

29 potential draftees made the trip to the US, many of which Finnigan and his team have tracked through the junior ranks.

“These were players that we’ve had on our radar for a while,” Finnigan commented.

“Most of these kids have all been through the talent pathway programs. Some have developed earlier than others, so it’s good to see others start to step up and continue in their development.”

The information Finnigan and his fellow recruiters obtain from trips such as these have proven to be crucial in drafting young talent to Arden Street.

“It’s all part of the process and the information gathered on this trip assists us in our planning and decision-making going forward,” Finnigan added.

“This was our fourth high-performance camp held in the US, and North has had a representative at each of these.

“Luke Davies-Uniacke was a part of the tour last year, and Jy Simpkin made the trip the year before.”

Dubbed by many experts as the ‘Superdraft’, there is set to be a lot of high-end talent on offer, and Finnigan’s trip was the first step towards drafting the most suitable 18-year-old for North.