Get to know North Melbourne's newest Kangaroo, Brayden George.

1. He was a genuine top-10 contender

An untimely ACL injury and a subsequent knee reconstruction meant George had his 2022 campaign cut-short, but as the early stages of the NAB League season progressed, the clever forward was right in the mix for being a top-10 pick. "He was a surefire top-10 selection before his catastrophic landing from a trademark strong mark, and may even have been snapped up before pick six," wrote The Age's Marc McGowan two weeks ago. George is expected to miss most of what will be his debut season at the club, but his upside as a damaging forward-half prospect that can flex his strength in the midfield was too good to pass up.

2. He's a deadly finisher

The Girgarre native has no trouble injecting his name among scorers. As prolific as emerging forwards come, George always knows where the big sticks are and managed to boot 18 goals from just eight appearances at the NAB League level this season. His final tally included a bag of five against eventual minor premier, Gippsland, before registering six in Round 5 against Greater Western Victoria.

3. Like a true Roo, he has hops

Exhibiting his power, the Murray Bushrangers product finished in the upper echelon of participants in NAB League pre-season testing for both running and standing vertical jumps earlier in 2022. Often rising above defenders to pluck strong grabs overhead, George's power, paired with his overall strength, allows him to play taller than his 186cm standing. "He (George) just reminds me so much of Christian (Petracca) as a bottom-age player before Christian moved into the midfield in his draft year," AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey told SEN earlier this year.

4. He has leadership qualities

The explosive forward was named co-captain of the Murray Bushrangers this year, and although he was unable to see out the full season, it was a responsibility only few NAB leaguers are trusted with. When inside 50, George commands the forward line and as North Melbourne's new look list continues to emerge, having another young gun with leadership qualities is a positive for the long run.

5. He is striving towards more midfield minutes

While possessing incredible smarts around goals, a midfield/forward hybrid player is what George hopes to become. "The main position I want to play is that mid-forward role, so spending time in the forward line but going through the midfield and showing my traits there," George told Cal Twomey in October. His aerobic ability may need improving upon his return to full training, but considering his natural and evidential talent, it's a role that will would be well-suited to the 18-year-old once he's ready to go.