Nearing the end of his three-month recovery from a left shoulder reconstruction, Anthony has been limited to 17 games since his arrival from East Fremantle in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft.
He missed the first 12 weeks of 2009 after suffering a foot stress fracture, but overcame a pre-season finger injury in time for round one this year.
The midfielder, who was averaging 23 possessions a game when he dislocated his shoulder against Collingwood in round seven, said confirmation of a new contract came soon after the incident.
“We’d been in talks for probably four or five months, and I was more than happy to stay with the Roos,” Anthony told afl.com.au.
“I wanted to. It feels like home over here now. I was more than happy when they came to me with an offer.
“It’s a bit disappointing when you could have played 44 [games] and you’ve only played 17, considering I hadn’t really been injured before.
“But it’s good to see the club put a bit of faith me. Now it’s up to me to repay that faith and go out and play good footy over the next few years.”
Barring an elimination finals appearance, Anthony is unlikely to return to the field until next year.
He was put through a “mini pre-season” by North at the end of June - which included three 7km runs per week for three weeks - and has been doing arm weights since last month.
However, Anthony said his availability hinged on how comfortable he was with his shoulder, which still has some way to go before it’s at full strength.
“I had a few different tests on Monday on my shoulder compared to my right one, and it’s still a fair way off,” he said.
“If it’s only going to be one game, I’m not too sure if I’d even play because of the risk involved with it. But I’d love to get out there.
“If they’re going to make finals, I’ll do everything in my power to get out there.”
The 22-year-old is hoping to start contact work next week.
He said that he had used some of his time on the sidelines to offer advice to North’s other young midfielders, including recent debutants Ben Speight and Marcus White.
“Having played a few games [myself], it’s good just to give them positive reinforcement that they’re getting a game for a reason,” he said.
Please note: Level 3 will be closed at this week’s game. Roos supporters are urged to gather at aisles 26-30 at the Northern (Lockett) end of the ground.
