North Melbourne skipper Andrew Swallow has been rewarded for his inspirational form with a contract extension until the end of 2015.

The 25-year-old was already locked in until the end of next AFL season but the Kangaroos surprised him by offering him a new deal, which he said he jumped at.

“My manager rang to tell me the club had contacted him about signing me through until 2015 and I was a bit shocked, Swallow said.

It wasn’t something I had to think about to be honest, I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else and told him to get it done for sure.

In his first year as captain, the West Australian has taken the role in his stride.

Ahead of its clash with Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon, he said he believed big things were ahead for the club, which has won five of its last six games to break into the top eight.

You can see what were trying to build and where the club is headed under the coaching of Brad Scott.

“New facilities mean we can now match it, if not offer more to any player going around.”

North Melbourne chief of football Donald McDonald says Swallow’s form, leadership and character were all factors which led to his extension.

We couldn’t be happier with the way he’s handled himself as the captain and believe he will be a long-term skipper for the club.