NORTH Melbourne is poised to start contract negotiations with promising midfielder Paul Ahern following his smooth transition into AFL football.
The former Giant, the No.7 NAB AFL Draft pick in 2014, had to wait until his fourth AFL season to make his senior debut after his recovery from two knee reconstructions seven months apart in 2016.
Ahern is one of 17 Kangaroos, headlined by Luke McDonald, Ben Jacobs, Jed Anderson, Jarrad Waite and unrestricted free agents Scott Thompson and Sam Wright, yet to lock in their futures beyond this season.
AFL.com.au understands North's football boss Cameron Joyce has informed player managers he is keen to hold off in most cases as the Roos hunt a big-name recruit.
It was a similar scenario last season, when Thompson, Waite, Jacobs and West Australian Declan Mountford didn't sign new one-year deals until mid-October.
Ahern, who turns 22 next week, has played seven straight matches since making his debut in round 11, averaging 21 disposals (9.7 contested), 3.6 inside 50s and 2.4 clearances.
North Melbourne took a low-risk punt on him in the 2016 trade period, handing over pick 69 to Greater Western Sydney in the hope he would be a long-term option.
Ahern's manager, Anthony McConville, of Mac's Sports, told AFL.com.au it was wise for both parties to wait and see how his client performed this year.
"The key with Paul was obviously finding his way into the AFL senior team," McConville said.
"Then it was about getting a decent block of footy under his belt to give us all an understanding of where he fits, both as a player, but also inside the Kangaroos' senior side.
"He's going really well right now, so without a doubt we'll be sitting down soon to discuss his future going forward."
McConville also looks after Thompson, whose impressive form in 2018 has strengthened his hopes of playing next year.
The Kangaroos have so far resisted new contract talks for the 32-year-old defender, who told AFL.com.au he wanted to continue his career into a 12th season.
"We're just waiting on where the club sits on it. Clearly, Scott's intention is to stay at North Melbourne," McConville said.
"So it's really up to North Melbourne to be prepared to offer Scott a contract, then we can start discussions."
Wright, like Jacobs, put 18 months of foot-related troubles behind him this year and hasn't missed a match since regaining his backline spot in round seven.
The 28-year-old's tidy foot skills and finals experience could appeal to rival clubs if a deal can't be reached with the Roos, who are yet to offer him a new contract.
In-form midfielder Jacobs has played just one match in the past five weeks because of lingering concussion symptoms.
Mountford, who made 12 appearances in 2017, resumed in the VFL last week after hamstring and ankle setbacks spoiled his season to date.
The other out-of-contract Roos are Ryan Clarke, Josh Williams, Dan Nielson, Mitch Hibberd, Declan Watson and rookie-listed trio Oscar Junker, Gordon Narrier and Tom Jeffries.
Ex-Bomber Alex Morgan joined North on a two-year deal in November, but the second season is not guaranteed.
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