North Melbourne players form a huddle during a clash against West Coast in round 20, 2023. Picture: AFL Photos

The AFL Commission has today approved an assistance package to be provided to the North Melbourne Football Club.

Recommendations were ratified by the AFL Commission in its meeting today in Melbourne and were presented to the 18 club presidents meeting on Monday afternoon.

North Melbourne made a request to the AFL for special assistance to help the club improve its on-field performance.

The AFL Commission determined that North Melbourne will receive the following assistance package over the next two years:

2023

  • One (1) end of AFL National Draft first round selection

2024

  • Two (2) end of AFL National Draft first round selections
  • An extension of two (2) additional rookie list spots for the 2024 season (previously granted for the 2023 season)

Incoming AFL CEO Andrew Dillon said the two-year support package will help to ensure North Melbourne returns to being competitive on the field in the AFL competition. 

"North Melbourne has faced considerable challenges in recent years having not finished higher than 17th on the AFL ladder in the four seasons since 2020. The club presented to the AFL on how assistance can help the club potentially improve its on-field performance," Mr Dillon said.

"The AFL and football fans want a strong competition. Ensuring North Melbourne is competitive on the field and can build strength across its organisation, in the short term and in a sustainable way, is important for both the club and the broader competition.  

"Under the leadership of President Sonja Hood, CEO Jennifer Watt and the club's board, the AFL is confident that North Melbourne is heading in the right direction. After assessing the club's position, the special assistance package can help the club deliver on its strategy for overall improvement in its football program and give greater confidence to staff, players and supporters."

While the package is set for two years, the AFL Commission reserves the right to review special assistance picks in 2024 should the club materially increase its on-field performance in the 2024 season.