NORTH Melbourne was pleased on Wednesday to reward two players for their contributions and hard work with spots on the club's rookie list for next season.

 

Max Warren and Robbie Hahas were selected by the Kangaroos with their last two picks at the NAB AFL Rookie Draft and will press their claims for senior selection next season.

 

The Kangaroos released Warren, who played his one and only senior match in round 15 this year, at the end of last season after spending the mandatory three years on the rookie list.

 

But the popular small defender continued training with the club and has presented well to date, according to recruiting manager Bryce Lewis.

 

"There were no guarantees for Max and he really had to knuckle down and return to pre-season in extremely good shape," Lewis said. 

"We're really pleased for him because he's a popular member of the playing group."

 

Nahas played eight games as a small forward after crossing from Richmond and was pressing for a berth in the finals side before injuring his shoulder. 

"Brad (coach Brad Scott) always wanted to bring him back," Lewis said.

 

The Kangas used their first pick on 206cm ruckman Braydon Preuss, originally from Townsville who spent the year at the Gold Coast Suns Academy and playing for the Suns' NEAFL team.

 

Then came running midfielder Will Fordham from the Sandringham Dragons.

 

Lewis said North had fulfilled its key recruiting objectives in the past week.

 

"Given we brought some taller types in at the national draft, we then looked for something a bit different, hence a ruckman and a running midfielder," he said.

"We believe over this draft/rookie period that we have addressed key needs without compromising on selecting talent," he said.

 

The Kangas had hoped to re-draft defender Cameron Delaney, but he was instead snapped up by Geelong.  

 

"Unfortunately due to his injury, we needed to free up a spot on the senior list so we could take our three picks in the National Draft. We did that (delisted him) with the full knowledge that there would be a risk of Cam going through the full process of the national and rookie drafts," Scott told NMFC.com.au.

 

"He's a terrific young man and we wish him all the best."

 

Recruiting manager Bryce Lewis said: "He shows an aptitude for tap work, has ability to get around the ground and is reasonably coordinated. He still has a bit to learn but has made steady improvement over the course of the year. Ruckmen are hard to find and I suppose the national draft would show there's not a hell of a lot around. With his attributes we can put time into him and work with him."

 

Recruiting manager Bryce Lewis said: "Will's a 189cm running midfielder who played every game for Sandy in the TAC Cup this year. Given that we brought in some taller types in the national draft we feel he offers something a bit different with his run and carry. He's a late developer who improved as the year went on.

 

Recruiting manager Bryce Lewis said: "We had to either promote or delist him with a view to taking him back depending on circumstances. Spots on the primary list were tight given we brought in two free agents and upgraded two rookies."

 

Recruiting manager Bryce Lewis said: He was terrific when he forced himself into the side with speed and forward pressure. His injury was unfortunate, but he made a charge late in the year to get back into the side but ran out of time."