North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson says the club is “hopeful” signing.

North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson is optimistic about re-signing free agents Luke Davies-Uniacke and Cam Zurhaar. Zurhaar, whose contract ends this season, is the more urgent case, while Davies-Uniacke is contracted until the end of 2025.

Channel 9’s Tom Morris recently reported that there is “great confidence” Zurhaar will re-sign with the Kangaroos on a five-year deal. Speaking on Fox Footy’s On the Couch, Clarkson emphasized the importance of retaining both players due to the club’s lack of talent in their age group.

However, Clarkson acknowledged that as free agents, they have the right to explore other options. He pointed out that North Melbourne has lost many players in the crucial 26 to 28-year-old bracket and that retaining these two players is vital for the club’s future.

In other news, rival clubs believe Melbourne’s star midfielder Clayton Oliver might be available for trade despite the Demons’ claims to the contrary, according to Tom Morris.

Oliver has had an underwhelming, injury-affected season and is one year into a lucrative seven-year deal worth around $10 million. Morris mentioned on Channel 9’s Footy Classified that there is considerable chatter among clubs about Oliver being “gettable,” although the Demons deny this.

Oliver’s current deal makes him one of the highest-paid players, and if he were to leave Melbourne, he would likely command a similar salary at his new club.