Marley Williams will play a ninth season of AFL, inking a one year deal with North Melbourne.

The extension sees the 25-year-old through until at least the end of 2020.

“We did start chatting late last year and I got lucky enough to get another year at the club,” Williams told North Media. 

Williams said he’s already exceeded his expectations and continues to thrive on the challenge of playing at the highest level. 

“I actually didn’t think I’d get this far in the AFL,” he said. 

“I don’t think anyone really thinks about it too much but I’m just really happy and privileged to be able to get into my ninth season next year.”

The defender said the team has been invigorated under interim coach Rhyce Shaw; someone he has formed a tight bond with.

“We used to be pretty good mates but I don’t know if I can say that now he’s head coach,” Williams joked.

“We’ll stay close and keep it professional now. Just being able to play for him as a head coach is huge, I love him as a bloke, he’s made great relationships and he’s just so easy to play for.”

Williams has played 113 games, 45 of those for North, and says the team is closer than ever. The group’s character and resolve clear to see with the club now knocking on the door of the finals after a terrible start to the year. 

“We are a really tight group and we came together as a team and spoke about a few simple things and we’ve just stuck to it,” he said.