Clarkson, Kangas buoyed by Zurhaar’s free agency call

Alastair Clarkson insists he was comfortable with Cam Zurhaar testing the AFL free agency market before committing his long-term future to North Melbourne.

In another tough year on-field, the Kangaroos have been buoyed in recent days by star forward Zurhaar and father-son recruit Jackson Archer signing new contracts.

Zurhaar considered big-money offers from rival clubs before inking a five-year extension that ties him to North until the end of 2029.

“Every player is entitled to that freedom of choice after they’ve played at a club for a long period of time,” Clarkson said.

“He wanted to see that the club was heading in the right direction and that there was some sort of opportunity for us to climb the ladder and get ourselves into finals footy.

“Particularly what’s occurred over the last six or eight weeks, where we have been more competitive against some of the better sides in the competition, it’s really exciting for him.

“It’s exciting for our footy club and exciting for our fans that he’s signed on.”

Clarkson said he was always “really, really confident” Zurhaar would choose to stay with North Melbourne despite the 26-year-old waiting until late in the season to make a decision on his playing future.

Zurhaar ultimately joined key players Nick Larkey, Jy Simpkin, Tristan Xerri and Harry Sheezel in re-committing to the Kangaroos, with all signing long-term deals over the past year.

Clarkson said the buy-in from players and staff, as well as improved on-field form over the past two months, showed the football world the Kangaroos are “on the march.”

“At some point in time it obviously needs to materialize into wins on the scoreboard and a climb up the ladder,” Clarkson said.

“But we know a lot of the hard work is going to pay off at some point in time and I think that’s been reflected by both staff and players wanting to stay around and commit to the journey.”

Archer, the son of club legend Glenn Archer, signed a new two-year deal with the Kangaroos this week.

“I think everyone that’s connected with North Melbourne would be pleased to see young Archer sign on,” Clarkson said.

“His father’s the ‘Shinboner of the Century’ at our club and he’s showing the same sort of traits too.”

North Melbourne last-placed Richmond at Marvel Stadium on Saturday in a battle that could decide this year’s wooden spoon – and the No.1 draft pick.

“It’s not really about that as much as it is both sides just trying to finish the season well,” Clarkson said.

“Whilst we can’t feature in finals, what we do in the last few weeks of the season is really important for your preparation for next year.

“We want to finish the year well, and I’m sure the Tigers want to do the same.”