Aidan McCartney, the son of Roo fan favourite Jason, has nominated North Melbourne as his preferred destination ahead of this year’s NAB AFL Draft.

McCartney earned All-Australian honours at U16 level in 2024 but has been on the sidelines this year after undergoing hip surgery in February.

The developing 195cm key forward is eligible to join North Melbourne as a father-son selection as his father Jason played 107 games for the Kangaroos from 1998-2003.

He has been in regular contact with North Melbourne throughout his junior years, and spent time at Arden St as part of his AFL Academy apprenticeship this year.

A member of the Sydney Swans Academy, McCartney also played local football with the Willoughby Wildcats and the North Shore Bombers in Sydney.