North Melbourne have made a move in the 2026 player market, expressing firm interest in Brisbane’s Brandon Starcevich and Carlton’s Jack Silvagni as both players weigh up their next steps in free agency.
With coach Alastair Clarkson keen to inject experience into a developing backline, the Kangaroos are understood to have approached both defenders, signalling intent to shore up their defensive stocks as the rebuild enters a critical phase.
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Victorian clubs circle as free agents weigh options
Starcevich, a restricted free agent, is drawing widespread interest, with several Victorian clubs, including Essendon and North Melbourne, believed to be in the hunt.
“He's a restricted free agent at the Lions,” AFL Media’s Riley Beveridge said on Gettable. “He's been assessing his options... the Lions would like to retain him. They've tabled a deal for him to stay, but he has strong interest from clubs around the country. Notably in Victoria, Essendon has strong interest, as does North Melbourne, another club that has circled Brandon Starcevich.”
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Silvagni, meanwhile, is also on North’s radar, though faces similar interest from Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs.
“North have asked the question of Jack Silvagni,” Channel 7’s Mitch Cleary said on the Tradies podcast.
North’s defence currently features promising youngsters like Charlie Comben and Wil Dawson, alongside experienced names such as Griffin Logue and Aidan Corr. But the addition of two seasoned campaigners could provide the balance Clarkson is seeking heading into 2026.