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North Melbourne defender Robbie Tarrant will make a late-career switch to Richmond after knocking back a two-year AFL contract with the Kangaroos.

Veteran defender Robbie Tarrant has knocked back a two-year contract from North Melbourne and will make a late-career switch to AFL powerhouse Richmond.

Tarrant has played 174 games for the Kangaroos, after being taken with pick in the 2007 draft.

But the 32-year-old has opted to switch to the Tigers with North going through a rebuilding phase after claiming this year's wooden spoon.

"We're disappointed that Robbie has chosen not to accept our contract offer," North football manager Brady Rawlings said.

"We wanted to see Robbie remain a one-club player given what he has done for our football club.

"After overcoming injuries in the early part of his career, Robbie has gone on to be a great contributor for North Melbourne over a long period of time.

"Robbie has been an elite defender in the competition and has provided us with great leadership and spirit.

"He has been popular with our fans, his teammates and everyone involved with the club, so it'll be hard to see him in opposing colours, but we wish him well."

In July, North coach David Noble said he could not imagine Tarrant ever playing for another club.

"I don't envisage him going anywhere. There's certainly no indication from his side of things," Noble said.