Top-five pick Tsatas joins Roos for second AFL chance
Tsatas, drafted fifth overall in 2022, joins North as a delisted free agent after just 22 games in four seasons.
North Melbourne has signed Elijah Tsatas, Samson Ryan and Darragh Joyce as delisted free agents as the Kangaroos reshape their list for 2027. Tsatas, 22, was taken with pick five by Essendon in the 2022 draft but managed only 22 games across four seasons, never playing more than seven in a single year.
Elijah Tsatas joins North's midfield as the Roos aim for finals under new coach Jaymie Graham. In VFL this year, Tsatas averaged 32.9 disposals and 7.5 clearances over 15 games.
Ryan, an ex-Richmond ruck, adds depth to North's tall stocks after the club cut Callum Coleman-Jones. Joyce joins his third AFL club after stints at St Kilda and Brisbane.
- Pick 5 in 2022
- Draft position
- 22 across 4 seasons
- Games at Essendon
- 32.9
- VFL disposals average
- 22
- Age
Why it mattersYoung players delisted by bigger clubs often find renewed form elsewhere, and Tsatas's move signals he remains a prospect despite limited Essendon chances.
AustraliaNorth Melbourne's rebuild depends on whether overlooked players like Tsatas can deliver in a new system as the Roos push toward competitive finals football.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
