NORTH Melbourne forward Ben Brown has been rewarded for his rapid rise at Arden Street with a two-year contract extension. 

The 22-year-old, who has been a key target in attack this year, is now tied to the Kangaroos until the end of the 2018 season.

Brown signed a contract extension at the end of last year that took him through to the end of 2016, but the club has acted early to secure one of its important youngsters.

Taken with pick No.47 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft, Brown has built on his consistent debut season to kick 29 goals in 2015, including six bags of three or more. 

He will be critical to North's chances in Sunday's elimination final against Richmond, both as a forward and relief ruckman.