NEW KANGAROO Alex Morgan's wish for more senior opportunities and the chance to develop with a young group are what lured him from Essendon. 

The versatile 21-year-old played mostly in defence as a Bomber, but was unable to break into the AFL side after being the No.29 pick in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft. 

AFL.com.au, which reported North Melbourne's interest in Morgan last week, understands the delisted free agent signed a one-year deal that could turn into two if certain requirements are met.

He rejected a one-year offer to stay at Tullamarine, and Essendon officially delisted him on Monday. 

"It was an enjoyable two years (with the Bombers), especially this year playing more football," Morgan told NMFC.com.au.

"Playing VFL finals and the club making AFL finals was an exciting time, rebounding from 2016. But I felt like I needed a bit more of an opportunity."

The arrival of ex-Gold Coast dasher Adam Saad at Essendon was likely to make Morgan's task of playing at AFL level even more difficult. Pacy Irishman Conor McKenna has already established himself at half-back. 

Morgan and North Melbourne medical staff are confident he has overcome the hamstring issues that plagued him since his TAC Cup days.

He managed only nine VFL games because of those injury problems last year and had a delayed start to 2017, but he went on to play 17 matches at state league level.

Morgan's major assets are his speed and skills, which could see him used in various on-field roles. 

He made his mind up on his playing future after meeting with Roos coach Brad Scott. 

"Brad outlined where North was at as a club and I looked at where I was at as a player," he said.

"It linked up a fair bit and I made the decision, after talking to a few people. I just felt it was the right decision for me. 

"It's a pretty young club, so coming here was the right fit given where I was at with my football. 

"You have to work for your opportunity, but I feel like it's a young team that can really grow together.

"I think with North, that is what I'm going to get if I put in the work, so I'm excited by the prospect."

North Melbourne list manager Michael McMahon, who showed interest in recruiting Morgan while he was still working at Geelong, said the ex-Oakleigh Charger's pace and class were what appealed.

"We are confident that Alex will be a very good addition to our list," McMahon said.

"He possesses elite AFL traits with his speed and ball use, and was highly regarded when he came through the draft. 

"He has been somewhat restricted by injury during his time in the AFL system, but showed enough at VFL level in the back half of the year to suggest he has the capacity to play an important role for us next year."