North Melbourne have re-signed young gun and top Tasmania target Colby McKercher in welcome news amid controversy surrounding their AFL/VFL centenary celebrations.
Premiership heroes Sam Kekovich and John Burns are set to boycott the event when the Kangaroos mark 100 years in the competition in their clash with the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night.
But Alastair Clarkson's men are determined to rise to the occasion following last week's thumping by Hawthorn, and have been buoyed by McKercher's contract extension.
The 2023 No.2 draft pick was already contracted for next season, and has committed to the Roos for a further two years to the end of 2028.
It keeps Launceston product McKercher out of the Tasmania Devils' clutches, at least for now, with the expansion club slated for inclusion in the 2028 AFL season.
"He's a key part of our future and his decision to sign on for another two years speaks volumes about his belief in the direction we're heading as a club," Kangaroos talent boss Brady Rawlings said.
"We're incredibly excited to see what he can achieve in the years to come."
McKercher joins ruck star Tristan Xerri and Josh Goater as players who have recommitted to North Melbourne in the past month, and will be key to their chances of upsetting the Bulldogs.
The Kangaroos were battered to the tune of 85 points by Hawthorn in Launceston on Saturday and have endured a torrid recent history against the Dogs, losing their past eight meetings by an average of 53 points.
Making the task more difficult, important players Luke McDonald, Luke Parker, Jack Darling and George Wardlaw are all out injured, and Zac Fisher has been managed.
Finnbar Maley, Zane Duursma, Bailey Scott, Will Phillips and Cooper Harvey return.
North coach Alastair Clarkson conceded contest and clearance were areas of concern against the Hawks, but described the sub-par performance as an "aberration".
"Whether it's a significant milestone game for the club or not, we have to address that part of our footy ... if we don't, we know what they (the Bulldogs) can do," Clarkson said.
Two-time North Melbourne premiership coach Denis Pagan will address past and present players before the bounce at Marvel Stadium.
All six of the club's 300-game players will be recognised, along with members of the 1975, 1977, 1996 and 1999 premiership teams, and last year's AFLW premiers.
Kekovich and Burns are set to be controversial no-shows, reportedly discontent with the fact the historic first VFL premiership won't be recognised in a separate capacity.
The Kangaroos' centenary celebration was originally planned for the round 20 clash with Geelong, who they played against on their VFL debut in 1925.
But the club pivoted to round 17 against the Bulldogs when the AFL scheduled that fixture in a prime stand-alone slot.
"They're very, very difficult things to organise, to try and please everyone," Clarkson said.
"The club has done a great job in bringing together a whole heap of people - ultimately it's the choice of people if they want to be involved in it or not."
Clarkson attended Hawthorn's centenary celebration in May despite his messy departure as Hawks coach in 2021 and the club's subsequent racism saga.
A week after saluting over Sydney in Marcus Bontempelli's 250th game, the Bulldogs (9-6) will look to mark Tom Liberatore's same milestone with a fourth straight win and press their case for a finals berth.
The Bulldogs have recalled Taylor Duryea, Riley Garcia and Caleb Poulter in place of Buku Khamis (omitted), Sam Davidson and James Harmes (both illness).