Despite the ink barely drying on the 19-year-old’s mega contract extension, tying him to the Roos until 2030, young star Harry Sheezel has no interest in waiting until then to win a flag.
Sheezel has just come off a near-perfect maiden AFL season with North Melbourne, winning the 2023 rising star award.
However, he is chasing much more in 2024, and this time, he’s keen to take his Kangaroos with him.
READ MORE: Broncos raise alarm over offside rule due to Vegas field
READ MORE: ‘Calamity’: Disastrous run out leaves star ‘angry’
READ MORE: ‘Here to dominate’: Green stunner flips first Test
North Melbourne have been through a nightmare few years, finishing second-to-last in 2023, after struggling on the field to find their momentum.
Add in the temporary loss of new coach Alastair Clarkson on personal leave during the season, the Kangaroos have been searching for stability for quite some time.
However, Sheezel says the idea of a rebuild isn’t how North Melbourne are attacking 2024.
Instead, they’re ready to test for finals, with a dream of a flag believed to be in reach.
“I wouldn’t say we’re rebuilding. There’s plenty of examples in sport all over the world where young teams can be successful,” Sheezel told 9News Melbourne on Friday.
“Collingwood a few years ago, not that they were young. Went from 17th to 2nd.
“If we get the process right and we get that belief … then anything can happen. “
Sheezel has personally put in the effort during the off-season, heading overseas to work with teammates under champion Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr.
“Lost five kilos in the off-season, trying to shred a bit of weight, just to get a bit leaner,” he said.
North Melbourne will kick off their 2024 campaign when they face GWS away from home.