Zurhaar bullish on North’s 2025 finals prospects
North Melbourne star Cam Zurhaar is adamant a strong finish to the AFL season can help springboard the Kangaroos into finals contention next year.
Zurhaar last week turned down big-money offers to leave Arden Street as a free agent, re-signing with the Roos for a further five years.
The show of faith came with the explosive forward buoyed by North’s vastly improved form since the mid-season bye.
The Kangaroos have won three of their past nine games and will start favourites against West Coast on Saturday in Hobart.
Alastair Clarkson’s side will then complete the home-and-away season with clashes against finals hopefuls the Western Bulldogs and Hawthorn.
“It’s very important for us to get a few more wins in these last few weeks to catapult us into next season,” Zurhaar told AAP.
“The way we’re going to go better next season is winning as many games as we can.
“Hopefully we finish off well and have a strong start next season.”
North Melbourne haven’t played finals since 2016 – the campaign before Zurhaar arrived at the club via the rookie draft – and are headed for a fifth consecutive season with no more than four wins.
But Zurhaar, who has played in just 27 victories across his 118 games, is bullish about the Kangaroos’ prospects for 2025.
“Hopefully we’re competing for finals,” he said.
“That’s the main goal, obviously, but we just want to win as many games as we can and play finals as quick as possible.”
Eligible for restricted free agency this year, Zurhaar always insisted he was in no rush to decide his playing future.
The 26-year-old was determined to get a read on North Melbourne’s development and progression under Clarkson before making a call.
He ultimately joined teammates Harry Sheezel, Nick Larkey, Jy Simpkin and Tristan Xerri in signing a long-term deal.
“Since the bye we’ve just been such a better side on the field,” Zurhaar said.
“I’ve always loved every single bit about being at North Melbourne.
“It’s such a family club and I’ve got so many great mates here.
“It would feel like cheating if I left, so North Melbourne’s my home for life.”
The Kangaroos steered away from the wooden spoon by beating bottom side Richmond last week and will be chasing consecutive wins for the first time in 17 months when they take on West Coast.
The 16th-placed Eagles are one win and a small percentage gap ahead of North on the ladder after toppling Gold Coast last time out.
“They had a really good win and they’re a good side at times,” Zurhaar said.
“Their forward-line is going pretty well at the moment.
“Jake Waterman’s doing really well and they’ve got Oscar Allen down there as well.
“So it’s a big challenge for our backs but they’re definitely up for the occasion.”
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