North Melbourne have re-signed 22-year-old forward Aaron Black until the end of the 2017 AFL season, the Kangaroos said on Thursday.

The 192cm Black kicked 33 goals in 18 games in 2013 in a breakout season.

West Australian Black had attracted interest from Fremantle, North said on their website.

Black was contracted for 2014 but has signed on for a further three seasons.

The former basketballer had struggled to make an impact, playing only four AFL games in the previous two seasons, before impressing with his speed and athleticism in 2013.

“Supporters should be thrilled that exciting young forward @aaronDblack35 will be at Arden Street until at least 2017,” North’s media spokesman said on Twitter on Thursday.