TRENT Dumont has capped off a career-best season with a two-year contract extension that ties him to North Melbourne until the end of 2021.
Dumont had made steady progress in his first four seasons at Arden St, but took his game to another level in 2018.
The natural inside midfielder excelled in a new role on the wing, playing all 22 games and averaging 21 possessions.
The 23-year-old quickly showed he could win the ball in open space, finishing third at North for uncontested possessions (300), while he retained his hard edge in contests, finishing fourth at the club in tackles (87) and sixth in clearances (49).
At 186cm, he also showed a knack for drifting forward to provide a target inside North's forward 50m arc, ranking equal fifth at the club for marks inside 50 (11).
The South Australian signed off on 2018 with a blazing final month, polling AFLCA votes in three of North's final four games, including a perfect 10 for his career-high 38-disposal haul against St Kilda in round 23.
He was already contracted until the end of 2019, but North has moved quickly in the post-season to lock him away longer term.
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North football manager Cameron Joyce said the club was excited by Dumont's development in 2018 and believed he had the potential to become an elite on-baller.
"Trent came back in terrific shape in the pre-season and went to new heights this season," Joyce said.
"He's a player that flies under the radar somewhat but he is super-consistent and highly regarded here at Arden St.
"Trent transformed his body and improved his fitness dramatically and the results of that hard work was there for all to see this year.
"We're really excited about the future for Trent and are confident he can keep improving at a rapid rate and become one of the league's best midfielders."
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Selected by North with pick No.30 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft, Dumont has played 61 games.