North Melbourne have headed off Gavin Urquhart's possible switch to the new Gold Coast AFL team by re-signing him until the end of 2012.

Urquhart, 21, has impressed since making his senior debut last year and has played 18 games this season.

Lachie Hansen has also signed on until the end of 2012, while Nathan Grima has committed for another two years.

Nervous clubs are trying to secure players, especially those with Queensland connections, ahead of the new GC17 team joining the league in 2011.

"We're pretty happy to avoid that (Urquhart leaving) - Gav has exceptional ability on the footy field and he can kick the ball really well," club official Cameron Joyce said on the North website.

"It has taken a little while with Lachie but that's pretty normal for a player of his size.

"We believe that with a few more games under his belt he'll be a huge part of the future of this club."

While Hansen was a first-round draft pick and Urquhart joined the Kangaroos in the second round, Grima has been a pleasant surprise for the club after his rookie elevation.

"Nathan has definitely surprised, there's no doubt about that," Joyce said.

"Our expectations of him weren't high given he was coming off a knee reconstruction (last year), but its been a terrific year for him."

It has been an important few days for North, with the appointment of new head coach Brad Scott and contract extensions for Andrew Swallow, Ben Warren, Sam Wright and Robbie Tarrant.

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