North Melbourne has added to its ruck stocks by selecting 202cm Hamish Free from South Fremantle.

The ruck was taken with pick No.19 in the AFL Rookie Draft.

Free has spent the past two years playing for South Fremantle in the WAFL, where he played 29 senior games, including 18 this year.

Taking over the No.1 ruck role, the 24-year-old was an imposing force averaging just over 42 hitouts per game as well as 12.2 possessions.

His individual form over the campaign saw him earn a spot in the 2022 WAFL Team of the Season ahead of now Hawthorn ruck, Lloyd Meek.

A hard-working tall, Free could prove to be a valuable addition given his senior football experience.