Kallan Dawson: Defender signs new deal

North Melbourne defender Kallan Dawson has signed a one-year contract extension

North Melbourne defender Kallan Dawson has signed a one-year contract extension, tying him to the club until at least the end of 2025.

Dawson has played nine senior games since arriving at Arden Street from Williamstown in the VFL halfway through the 2022 season with pick No.2 in the mid-season rookie draft.

On the back of 18 games as the linchpin of the VFL side’s defence and one appearance at AFL level in 2023, the 25-year-old worked hard over the summer to establish himself as a mainstay in North Melbourne’s senior line-up in 2024.

He featured in the opening four games of the season before being sidelined with an ankle injury suffered at training ahead of Round 5. He will return to the side this weekend to face West Coast in Perth.

North Melbourne head of football talent Brady Rawlings said the club looked forward to watching Dawson continue his development at Arden Street.

“We’re excited to have Kallan recommit to the club for another season,” Rawlings said.

“He had a fantastic pre-season and made a solid start to the season with his defensive efforts and team-first attitude before being interrupted by injury.

“We look forward to welcoming him back into the side this weekend and watching him continue to develop and establish himself as an important part of our defence.”

Dawson is the fourth Roo to recommit to the club this year, joining Harry Sheezel (2030), Tristan Xerri (2029) and Tom Powell (2026).