AFLW superstar Jasmine Garner has recommitted to North Melbourne for four more seasons in a huge boost to the Kangaroos in their pursuit of a maiden grand final berth.
Garner, who is tipped to win her first league best and fairest at the AFLW Awards on Monday, has extended her contract for three more years until the end of 2027, the maximum period a player can be contracted due to the length of the current joint CBA.
The 29-year-old said it was a “no-brainer” to commit to Arden Street well into the twilight of her career.
“It was a no-brainer for me to sign on for as long as I could,” she said.
“I just love coming here. It doesn’t feel like work to me. The people involved at the club – the players, the coaches, all the staff – and I guess the way they’ve embraced not only me but also my brother Kane.
“We both love it here and I’m really excited to extend for another few years.”
Kangaroos women’s football boss Nathan Hrovat said the club was “rapt” to secure Garner’s services for at least four more seasons.
“(Garner) is a highly respected member of the playing group both on and off the field, with her great football nous and constant drive to get better and be the best she can be for the team,” Hrovat said.
“We look forward to what we can achieve as a team with Jasmine here helping drive the standards and watching her continue to build her incredible AFLW resume.”
The Kangaroos also signed midfielder Mia King and fullback Jasmine Ferguson in the week before their preliminary final clash with Adelaide at Ikon Park on Sunday.
Garner, who has averaged an extraordinary 20 kicks, eight tackles and seven clearances per game this season, was also among the Roos’ three nominations for the AFL Players’ Association MVP award, with the winner to be crowned on Tuesday night.
Midfield partner Ash Riddell and captain Emma Kearney were the other Kangaroos in contention for the award, which Garner won in 2020.
Star midfielders Monique Conti (Richmond) and Ally Anderson (Brisbane) and Sydney young gun Laura Gardiner loom as Garner’s main rivals for the umpire and player-voted awards.
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