Damian Barrett has reported North Melbourne are becoming "very confident" about luring Josh Kelly to the club.
Kelly was heavily pursued by the Kangaroos back in 2019 before signing a unique contract extension, officially tying him to the club until the end of 2021 but with triggers to potentially keep him at the Giants for life.
The 26-year-old is also coming off a season-best 39 disposals and two goals against the Roos on Sunday.
But Barrett believes North Melbourne are as well placed to land Kelly as they were last time he was out of contract.
"He's putting together arguably his best season of footy," he said.
"North, Jim, are starting to very confidently just talk amongst themselves..."