Fresh off his highly anticipated AFL debut, prized draftee George Wardlaw has signed a two-year contract extension to remain a Roo until at least the end of 2026.

Recruited from the Oakleigh Chargers with pick No.4 in the 2022 AFL Draft, Wardlaw made a strong start to his career with 16 disposals and a game-high nine tackles and 31 pressure acts against the Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium. He also finished with six clearances and six score involvements and set up an important goal by Todd Goldstein to put North Melbourne in front halfway through the second quarter.

Wardlaw is the second player from North Melbourne’s 2022 draft class to recommit to the club, joining pick No.3 Harry Sheezel who also signed a two-year contract extension following his debut back in Round 1. 

North Melbourne head of football talent Brady Rawlings expressed the club’s excitement to lock in another prized draftee for a further two years. 

“To have Harry and now George, our two top-five selections from last year’s draft, already recommit to the club is a fantastic endorsement of our program,” Rawlings said.

“George was one of the highest rated draft prospects last year despite missing most of his top-age season through injury, and it wasn’t hard to see why during his debut on Saturday afternoon with his attack on the ball second to none. 

“We feel he is going to be a very special player for us, and we can’t wait to see more of him in the royal blue and white over the next few years.”