For all of his setbacks, good news has finally landed in Brayden George’s lap.

After undergoing surgery last week for an anterior cruciate ligament injury — the second of his short career — the Girgarre product was recently offered a contract extension by North Melbourne.

The two-year deal keeps him at the club until at least the end of 2026.

George, 20, played junior football at Girgarre and Tatura before switching to Ovens and Murray League club Wangaratta Rovers to further his draft chances while shining for Murray Bushrangers.

During his time at the Bushies, AFL recruiters got curious about George.

The versatile, athletic runner dazzled with 19 goals in eight games in the 2022 NAB League campaign, but he missed the under-18 national championships due to a knee injury and a ruptured ACL brought an end to his season.

However, North Melbourne took him at pick number 22 in the AFL Draft later that year as the Kangaroos placed a vote of confidence in the youngster.

George did not play any competition footy in 2023.

Instead, the Girgarre and Tatura export underwent extensive rehabilitation to get him fighting fit for the 2024 season.

George’s progress was hampered by a left elbow dislocation suffered during an off-season training session, forcing him to go under the knife once more late last year.

This year, everything seemed aligned for George to make his AFL debut.

However, in a cruel twist of fate, the death knell of a popped knee sounded again.

In George’s eighth VFL appearance for North Melbourne on June 16 against Collingwood’s reserves, the 20-year-old left the ground in the final minutes of the first quarter after an awkward landing in a marking contest.

George returned to hospital for surgery at the start of last week.

A small victory for the injury-cruelled Roo is that he’s endured the rigmarole of ACL rehab before and knows what's in store, with North Melbourne head of football talent Brady Rawlings voicing his support for George as he prepares to do it all over again.

“Brayden showed real diligence and strength of character during his ACL rehab last year,” he said.

“His latest injury setback is very disappointing for him, but we know he will approach his rehab with the same attitude again and wanted to give him as much comfort throughout the process with this new deal.

“Brayden was highly regarded in his draft year with his long kick, strength and overall explosiveness, and we can’t wait to see what he can do for us when he’s back to full fitness.”

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Saturday, 22nd June 2024

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