WITH the 2021 trade period done and dusted, it is now time for clubs and fans alike to turn their attention to the draft. Between now and draft day (November 24/25), clubs have had the opportunity to exchange picks with the final order formed just over a week out. While the chaos settles, Rookie Me Central takes a look at how each club may approach the upcoming intake with the hand they formed at the close of trade period.

Next under the microscope is North Melbourne, the club which holds the honour of selecting with pick one, fronting the Roos’ continued regeneration.

CURRENT PICKS: 1, 20, 42, 47, 71, 75

2022 PICKS: NM Round 1, NM Round 3, NM Round 4, RIC Round 4

ACADEMY/FATHER-SON NOMINEES:

Jackson Archer (F/S)

LIST NEEDS:

+ Rebounding defender
+ Small forward
+ Key position depth

FIRST PICK OPTIONS:
(Pick 1)

This section almost seems superfluous for North Melbourne, given the club has made known its commitment to taking Jason Horne-Francis with pick one, and not making bids on father-son candidates Nick Daicos and Sam Darcy. It means the Roos maintain number one honours on draft night, and Horne-Francis can be officially recognised as the top prospect in his draft pool.

While North has stacked up on midfielders, including with the coup of Hugh Greenwood, they get another through the door with points of difference. Likely to start his career pinch-hitting at centre bounces from up forward, the dynamic South Australian teen brings an unteachable appetite for contested footy and a wide array of strengths, countered by very few weaknesses.

His explosiveness is eye-catching and can be utilised going both ways, with Horne-Francis able to burst out of congestion or hunt the opposition with lunging tackles. He backs his pace but has good composure, enhancing his short-range game to match the more evident penetration he offers. Add aerial ability, an eye for goal and propensity to shine in big moments, and Horne-Francis is a talent with generational potential.

REMAINING CROP:

Given the type of talent available in the pick 20 range, North Melbourne can easily add to its defensive versatility. The likes of Darcy Wilmot, Tom Brown and even Campbell Chesser are likely to be available in North’s hitting zone, making for dynamic and speedy rebound options off half-back.

Wilmot is also a teammate of father-son nominee Jackson Archer, adding another layer to his potential acquisition. His tenacity, dare and leadership quality will do wonders for a rebuilding side, while the athleticism of Brown and Chesser make them prospects with massive upside and scope to develop in different roles.

North may also look to bring in a goalkicking small forward, and Jesse Motlop fits the bill. His father Daniel played 47 games for the Roos, and Jesse is the type of player who needs few opportunities to change a game. In a similar boat, Sam Butler is a quick and clean pressure forward with midfield potential, who could also be in the frame.

In terms of key position options, there aren’t too many likely to be available at pick 20, with Jacob van Rooyen a chance and Rhett Bazzo one who the Roos could reach for. Both can play at either end of the ground, though the former is a more natural forward while the latter is a classy looking intercept defender.

That leaves North’s later picks (42, 47) as ones which will likely yield that key position cover. The Roos could package them to move up the order, though the likes of Toby Conway (ruck) Jack Williams (ruck-forward), and a mature-ager like Charlie Dean (key defender) might just be available in said range, with a bit of luck.

Otherwise, and depending on what pick 20 yields, Paul Curtis looks a good fit in the 40s as an exciting small forward. Sam Banks could keep the Tasmanian link alive as a dashing half-back with good foot skills, while Jake Soligo is a hard working small midfielder who could double as a high half-forward for North.

KEY QUESTIONS:

> Will North Melbourne steer away from midfielders after stocking up in recent intakes?
> How much key position cover will be available in North Melbourne’s range?
> Should North Melbourne have given more thought to accepting offers for pick one?