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Towering Shepparton football product Matt Whitlock has found out how fast life moves in the AFL world.
Six months ago, Whitlock was nearing the end of his schooling, now, he has signed a contract extension with North Melbourne until the end of 2027.
The one-year deal for Whitlock added onto the automatic two-year contract he received when being taken with pick 27 in last year’s AFL Draft.
North Melbourne head of football talent Brady Rawlings said the club had been impressed by Whitlock’s start to his career at the Roos and was eager to extend his stay.
“Matt has stood out to us with his athleticism, clean hands and ability to play at both ends of the ground,” Rawlings said.
“For him to make his AFL debut as a key position player at just 18 is a testament to the great progress he’s already made during his short time at the club.”
A versatile tall, Whitlock trained during the pre-season as a defender and impressed across the opening two rounds at VFL level, averaging 23.5 touches.
His form earned the 197cm defender his AFL debut against Sydney at Marvel Stadium in round four, collecting 10 disposals and three marks.
Whitlock returned from an ankle injury last Friday for the Roos’ VFL clash against Essendon at Windy Hill.
Also making his return to the field was Girgarre product Brayden George who laced up the boots following consecutive ACL injuries.
Girgarre product Brayden George played his first game in 320 days for North Melbourne’s VFL side at the weekend. Photo: AAP/James Ross
George — signed on until the end of 2026 — played his first game in 320 days against the Bombers' VFL side.
The highly-rated third-year prospect collected three touches and three tackles as a deep forward on limited minutes for the Roos.
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