North Melbourne selected the former Rennie and Yarrawonga footballer with pick No.33 in the recent AFL’s Rookie Draft.
A versatile player with the ability to play a lockdown role both through the midfield and in defence, Howe, whose brother Lach plays number one ruck for Yarrawonga, registered 96 games over eight years for Hawthorn after being drafted in the second round of the 2014 National Draft.
Howe enjoyed his most productive season in 2021, playing 20 games under the tutelage of now North Melbourne senior coach Alastair Clarkson and will now be able to reunite with the three-time premiership coach at Arden Street.
As Hawthorn began to shift its attention towards blooding its youth, Howe wasn't offered a contract after the 2022 season but remained confident that he still had plenty of value to provide an AFL club.
The 26-year-old was presented with his jumper by past club captain and great Anthony Stevens on Tuesday which was followed by a welcoming speech by Clarkson.
“I know a fair bit about this bloke!” the coach said. “He’s a really, really versatile player – half back, wing, inside-midfield and I’ve used him as a tag. Welcome to the club Dan, you’ll fit in really well.”
Dan will have number 15 on his back. With plenty of young guns coming into the Roos’ squad, his almost 100 games of experience will fill an important void on the Kangaroos' list.
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