NORTH Melbourne has received a significant boost on the eve of its pre-season training camp in Utah with key midfielder Andrew Swallow extending his contract with the club.

Swallow had been strongly linked to Greater Western Sydney, with speculation he had already committed to the new franchise for its 2012 entry into the AFL.

Although Swallow and his manager Colin Young had dismissed those reports, the 23-year-old's future beyond next year still seemed unclear.

However, Swallow, who is holidaying with his wife in Europe, said he had received word from Young that a deal had been reached with North.

"I was aware of all the GWS talk but I was really keen to stay at North Melbourne," he told afl.com.au.

"My manager has been talking to the club while I've been away and I'm really happy that everything was sorted out.

"Now I can focus on the future with North and really enjoy playing in a young and talented side ... I truly believe that we will be able to achieve great things if we can all stick together.

"The club has a really bright future and Brad Scott, the coaches and staff have all put a lot of work into turning things around. I'm just really happy to be a part of the future here and am looking forward to watching our young midfield develop and improve."

Swallow, who has played 84 games since his selection at pick 43 in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft, confirmed his re-signing via his Twitter account on Wednesday morning, but has not revealed the length of the contract.

The West Australian has become one of the Roos' most important players in the last two seasons, winning the 2009 Syd Barker Medal and finishing third to Brent Harvey and Brady Rawlings in this year's count.

Swallow also led the competition in tackles in 2010, was shortlisted for the All Australian team with Harvey and Rawlings, and at this stage appears the likely successor to Harvey as captain.

Swallow's commitment has been complemented by a contract extension for ever-improving centre half-back Nathan Grima.

The 25-year-old, whose early AFL career was threatened by a serious knee injury, has settled comfortably into North's backline since his elevation from the rookie list.

He has played 30 games from last year's debut and has been given crucial roles against the competition's premier forwards, including Matthew Pavlich, Nick Riewoldt and Jack Riewoldt.

"Obviously given the path I've travelled to get where I am now, it's great to have the club's faith and some security behind me," Grima told kangaroos.com.au.

Midfielder Daniel Wells announced that he had signed a new three-year deal late last month.