North Melbourne has taken key defender Blake Thredgold with pick No.26 in the 2025 Telstra AFL Draft.

The Kangaroos held the first pick of the second round and selected the athletic 194cm South Australian to boost their key position stocks.

Thredgold was adjudged best on ground in the SANFL Under-18 Grand Final, taking 12 marks along with 14 disposals, playing a vital role as Sturt went on to beat West Adelaide in the decider.

He also helped South Australia take out the National Championships title, despite missing the first three games of the competition with a broken hand.

Thredgold originally hit the state scene as a ruck-forward at under-16 level and was played in various positions around the ground before finding his place as a shutdown key defender.

Known for his high leap, he achieved three top 10 results at the national Draft Combine.

"(The moment I was drafted) was insane," he told AFL.com.au's draft show on Thursday night.

"Everyone jumped on me. It's the best feeling ever. The nerves go away .. tears of happiness.

"I couldn't be happier going to North Melbourne.

"They're such a good group and I can't wait to start there."

Thredgold joins Eastern Ranges product Lachy Dovaston at Arden Street as North Melbourne’s first two selections in the draft.