Tristan Xerri

Tristan Xerri (pron. , "sherry"; born 15 March 1999) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the North Melbourne Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). He was recruited with the 72nd draft pick in the 2017 AFL draft. Xerri is the only player in VFL/AFL history whose surname starts with the letter X.

Early Football Xerri played for his school side at Lakeview Senior College. He also played for the Caroline Springs Football Club, and later for the Western Jets in the NAB League.

AFL career A lifelong North Melbourne supporter, Xerri debuted in North Melbourne's four-point loss against in the fourth round of the 2020 AFL season. He kicked one goal, had 5 disposals and 3 tackles. In September 2020, Xerri signed a new two-year contract, keeping him with until 2022. On 6 October 2021, Xerri requested a trade to St Kilda. The trade failed to eventuate, and Xerri remained at North Melbourne. In 2022, Xerri signed a three-year contract extension. He became North's leading ruck in 2023, but he missed much of the season due to an ankle injury in Round One.

In early 2024, Xerri injured his face in a training accident and had a plate inserted. Later that year he signed a contract extension, keeping him at North Melbourne until at least the end of 2029.

Xerri had a breakout season in 2024, resulting in him being named in the 2024 All-Australian squad.

Xerri had another strong season in 2025 and was rewarded with a contract extension with the Kangaroos to the end of 2031. Xerri capped off a highly successful season by winning his first Syd Barker Medal, North Melbourne's Best and Fairest award, finishing as joint winner alongside Harry Sheezel.

Statistics Updated to the end of round 22, 2026.

93 !! 32 !! 12 !! 556 !! 802 !! 1358 !! 203 !! 496 !! 2412 !! 0.3 !! 0.1 !! 6.0 !! 8.6 !! 14.6 !! 2.2 !! 5.3 !! 25.9 !! 8