It's understood that Nahas, 27, has been given an understanding that he will be at Arden Street next year. Whether he will be on the senior or rookie list depends on other list management decisions.

A former Richmond player, Nahas appeared in North's winning elimination final against his old side, but was dropped for youngster Kayne Turner ahead of the semi-final win over Sydney, and also missed selection in Saturday night's preliminary final loss to West Coast, which ended North's season.

Nahas is no stranger to being in limbo. He was initially drafted as a mature-age rookie from Port Melbourne by the Tigers before the 2009 season.

He was then upgraded to the senior list, before being cut at the end of 2013, only to be picked up by the Roos as a delisted free agent. He was axed again following 2014, before being re-drafted as a rookie and elevated to the senior list early in the year. He kicked 24 goals from 18 games this season, taking his career total to 109.

The Nahas news follows Fairfax Media's report on Thursday that veteran backman Michael Firrito is set to be rewarded with a one-year contract extension. North still have a handful of players out of contract, including Majak Daw and Brad McKenzie. The Roos need to make a decision Daw's future prior to the start of his rape trial in November.

It's believed the management of defender Sam Wright is also in discussions with the club about extending his deal beyond the end of 2016. Wright reached a contractual games trigger to earn another season in August, but is believed to want a longer deal. He had been subject to interest from other clubs including St Kilda.

North have also been linked to a host of players this season, most notably Greater Western Sydney midfielder Adam Treloar, who has requested a trade from the Giants and is likely bound for Collingwood.