AFL 2024: Charlie Comben to move into defence for North Melbourne

North Melbourne tall Charlie Comben is confident he can put his troubled injury history behind him as he prepares to play a key role in the Kangaroos’ backline.

Comben confirmed plans for him to move to defence for the first time after managing only nine games in four seasons since being drafted as a key forward.

The 199cm prospect made an impressive start to last season as a centre half-forward and relief ruckman but broke his ankle in the round 7 loss to Melbourne and was unable to play another game.

He kicked 2.3 in a strong performance against Brisbane and was rated elite among key forwards for tackles, averaging three per game.

The 22-year-old’s move to defence comes as coach Alastair Clarkson tries to fill the holes in defence left by the departure of Ben McKay to Essendon and Griffin Logue’s ACL injury, which will likely keep the former Docker out until the bye rounds.

“I’m going for a move down back this year, which will be a different role,” Comben said.

“We lost a key back during the trade period, so I’ll look to fill that role and hopefully provide a bit of mark and intercept for us down back … it’s a new role, but I’m excited about it.”

If Comben can remain fit he would likely play alongside Aidan Corr and mature-age recruit Toby Pink in the key defensive positions, with the Roos also adding Bigoa Nyuon from Richmond and drafting raw 200cm defender Wil Dawson with pick 22 to bolster their options.

Comben, who has previously battled a back fracture, stress fracture in his leg and broken collarbone, said his ankle injury last season had been the most frustrating setback during his time at the club after the recovery timeline ballooned out beyond the expected 10 weeks.

“It’s been a long road back, about six months off. It was good to join in with the lads … it’s obviously pretty warm, so I struggled a bit, but I’m sure they’ll start to come back,” he said at the club’s Gold Coast training camp on Tuesday.

“I’ve had a lot of injuries over my career, but this one was probably the most frustrating – I thought I was going to be back in about 10 weeks but ended up having a bigger issue with a tendon in my ankle that wasn’t recovering quite as I would’ve hoped.

“I’ll start to ramp it up over the next few sessions – hopefully, by Christmas, I’ll get close to a full session, if not after Christmas.

“I’ve seen black cats and a few mirrors open, but I think I’m sweet now.”