Shepparton’s Matt Whitlock receives AFL debut opportunity at North Melbourne

The 197cm dual key position player has more than earned his opportunity, producing a stellar outing for the Roos’ VFL side last weekend against Box Hill in claiming 27 disposals.

Twenty-seven has proven to be Whitlock’s lucky number, having booted that amount of goals for the Murray Bushrangers in his 2024 Coates Talent League season before being sensationally swooped upon by Alastair Clarkson’s recruiting staff at that pick number with the final selection of the national draft’s first night.

The debut was confirmed at North Melbourne’s Thursday training session, where a video featuring twin brother and new Port Adelaide forward Jack announcing the news himself was cheekily snuck into the group’s debrief.

The light-hearted moment gave way to rapturous applause at Arden Street, with Whitlock now joining Benalla native Joe Berry — taken alongside Jack by the Power — in reaching the top flight during the opening weeks of season 2025.