Tarrant, Higgins sign on

NORTH Melbourne has ramped up its bid to lure a superstar free agent, with new deals for leaders Shaun Higgins and Robbie Tarrant.

Higgins has extended his contract through to the end of 2020, while Tarrant has resigned until the end of 2021.

And in further good news for fans, boom youngster Luke Davies-Uniacke has also signed a new deal.

The No. 4 pick at last year’s draft, who is on track to make his debut in Round 1, signed a two-year extension that ties him to the club until 2021.

Versatile midfielder Higgins is the Kangaroos’ reigning best-and-fairest winner, while key defender Tarrant won the Syd Barker Medal in 2016.

North believes its experience and leadership will help make Arden St an attractive destination for players seeking a new home.

The cashed-up Roos again plan to be aggressive during the 2018 player movement period after making huge, but unsuccessful, offers to Richmond’s Dustin Martin and Greater Western Sydney’s Josh Kelly.

Former Western Bulldogs midfielder and forward Higgins believes the Roos are primed to improve on last season’s 15th-placed finish.

“Speaking for myself and probably Taz as well, we wouldn’t have signed on or committed long-term if we didn’t see the hope and know that the guys we’ve got at the moment are the foundation for a very successful side,” Higgins said yesterday.

“Any free agents could be comfortable that they’re coming into an environment where the age demographic is pretty good.”

Adelaide prime mover Rory Sloane, West Coast wingman Andrew Gaff and Gold Coast spearhead Tom Lynch are among big names eligible for free agency at the end of 2018.