Gavin Urquhart Biography

North Melbourne has delisted five senior players, including Matt Campbell and Cruize Garlett, as well as three rookies Malcolm Lynch, Brad Mangan and Gavin Urquhart.

Former NAB AFL Rising Star nominee Gavin Urquhart is one of three North Melbourne players to be delisted by the Roos that also include former Western Bulldog Malcolm Lynch and Brad Mangan.

Re-drafted Kangaroos rookie Gavin Urquhart says he questioned his motivation for playing football after being delisted by the club.

"When [I was delisted] I thought, 'I'm not wanted anymore' and somewhere along the lines of 'I've lost respect'," Urquhart said.

"I knew the thoughts on how I go about it (football) had to change. So I went away and basically asked myself, 'Do I really want to play footy?' I decided I still do and I still have a lot to offer by making an impact now."

North Melbourne defender Gavin Urquhart hopes training with Australian middle distance legend Craig Mottram this pre-season will address some of his weaknesses.

"Having the time off and a real think about it - if I really wanted to play footy and all that ... to come back and run my best times is probably saying something to the coaches and myself," Urquhart said.

"I told myself, 'You've either got to knuckle down or you're just wasting your time and the club's time'. I'm having the best pre-season I've ever had at the moment. I'm just trying to stamp my foot down and show them I'm actually here and ready to play."

Gavin Urquhart, Lachlan Hansen and Nathan Grima have all signed new deals that will keep them at North Melbourne.

Queensland native Gavin Urquhart, in particular, will be kept safe from the new Gold Coast franchise.

North Melbourne interim coach Darren Crocker has followed the lead of his equivalent at Richmond, Jade Rawlings, and swung the selection axe for his first match in charge.

The inclusion of debutant Liam Anthony is among four changes to the side that will meet the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.

Making way are youngsters Jack Ziebell (out due to a broken leg) and Gavin Urquhart, along with Sam Power and Aaron Edwards.