North Melbourne have secured AFL free agents Jarrad Waite and Shaun Higgins as the Kangaroos try to take the next step towards premiership contention.

The Western Bulldogs decided against matching North’s offer for Higgins, clearing the way for the restricted free agent to officially switch clubs.

His confirmation and Waite’s expected move from Carlton were the only completed deals as the free agency period opened on Friday.

The Bulldogs will receive a second-round draft pick at No.26 for losing Higgins.

But the AFL have told Carlton they will receive no compensation for losing Waite, who was an unrestricted free agent.

Waite has played 184 games for Carlton and Higgins is a 129-game Bulldogs veteran.

The pair have undoubted ability, but have struggled for consistency during their AFL careers.

North clearly have recruited them to beef up their list ahead of trying to become serious flag contenders.

After finishing sixth in the regular season, North beat Essendon and Geelong before Sydney comfortably took care of them in a preliminary final.

North will now aim for a top-four finish in the home and away season, which would make them legitimate premiership contenders.

After it became clear earlier this week that Waite would leave, Carlton coach Mick Malthouse said he was angry with the tall forward.

Malthouse said he felt everything was “hunky dory” with Waite last week after they shook hands at the coach’s home.

But Waite insisted he had not made up his mind when he met with Malthouse.

“I never made any indication that I was (going to stay), I was always really keen on getting two years,” Waite said.

“I’ve always got along really well with Mick, always found him a really good coach.

“But, like I said, it just came down to a contract, we couldn’t get it done and I’ve moved on.”

Waite, whose father Vin also had a long career at Carlton, added his age was a factor in leaving the club.

The 31-year-old said he had received indications that the Blues would soon rebuild.

North football director Geoff Walsh said Waite was a versatile player who would complement their existing attack.

Walsh also is confident that the club will soon re-sign talented midfielder Levi Greenwood.

“Certainly he’s a required player,” Walsh told SEN.

“My best understanding is Levi wants to remain a North Melbourne player and certainly the club wants Levi to remain.”

Also on Friday, North defender Nathan Grima signed a one-year contract extension.