North confirmed Harper had re-signed with a two-year contract extension on its club website on Tuesday night.
Drafted by North with pick No. 27 in the 2010 national draft, Harper played 37 games in his first two seasons, including all 23 of North's matches last season.
However, despite a strong pre-season aimed at helping him spend more time in the midfield this year, Harper averaged just five possessions in North's first three games this season and did not kick a goal.
Harper's subsequent VFL form has not been strong enough to earn a recall, but he told NMFC.com.au he had been working with senior North midfielder Daniel Wells to turn things around.
"I sit down and go through [Wells'] vision with him and he goes through my vision with me and he's giving me a lot of tips," Harper said.
"It's been really helpful and 'Wellsy' gives me little things to work on that I never would have even thought about."
North midfield coach Darren Crocker said Wells has taken on a mentoring role with Harper due to their similar playing styles.
"Throughout the pre-season we were grooming 'Harps' in a similar role that we see Wellsy playing," Crocker said.
"That guy who can come into the midfield, has real power, speed and agility, can pounce on the loose ball and make something out of nothing with stoppages and congestion.
"We really set it up so we were developing Kieran on the same lines as Wellsy. Matching those guys up so he can learn from Daniel has been really good for him."
Crocker had little doubt Harper would soon be back in North's team.
"Harps is a quality young guy with outstanding character who really wants to improve and get better and he's got tremendous drive to do that," Crocker said.
"Anyone who has that drive, you know they're going to work extremely hard to become the best they can be and we think his best will be very good for us."
Nick Bowen covers North Melbourne news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nick
