WITH season proper and trade period done and dusted, AFL fans and staff alike now turn their attention towards the draft (November 28-30). The chaos has settled on player and pick swaps, and budding prospects have completed their combines, leaving a nervous wait until they learn their fate.

In the next of our club by club previews, we take a look at Melbourne’s draft hand and offer insight into how the Dees may utilise the picks at their possession. Having made some shrewd moves up the order in previous years, they have already signalled their intent to do so once again in 2022.

2022 FINISH: 5th

CURRENT PICKS: 13, 37, 78, 83

FUTURE PICKS: MEL R1, FRE R1, MEL R2, FRE R2

POTENTIAL ACADEMY/FATHER-SON NOMINEES: Finn Emile-Brennan

FIRST PICK OPTIONS:

As is normally the case, Melbourne will look to be aggressive within the first round and has already flagged itself as a potential live trading factor. The Dees’ need for a developing tall forward, despite trade period additions, has seen them naturally linked to Matthew Jefferson. West Coast is also said to be interested in the lean marking machine.

Instead, Melbourne may lean on its access to Fremantle’s future first rounder to snap up a prospect like Edward Allan or Brayden George, before targeting a tall like Harry Barnett or Max Gruzewski. GWS’ pick 19 is said to be in their sights upon the trade table approach, though Sydney (picks 14 & 17) is another club keen to bolster its 2023 hand.

REMAINING CROP:

What Melbourne does with its second pick, and where it lands, is largely dependant on what happens beforehand or what value the Dees can extract via live trading. The 2021 premiers are likely to only use two picks in the National Draft, before upgrading Kade Chandler to their senior list.

Should their second selection remain at 39, the Demons may look to add a developing tall forward if they don’t do so earlier, otherwise there will be some decent talent to snap up through a ‘best available’ lens. They also have to consider a potential bid on NGA talent, Finn Emile-Brennan, who may slide to the Rookie Draft.

After the National Draft proceedings, Melbourne has the option to utilise three rookie selections, though may only fill two and leave one spare. The Dees have already made a Category B selection, with basketball convert Kyah Farris-White joining Andy Moniz Wakefield on the two-player list.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– How can Melbourne improve its first round hand?
– Will Melbourne target a key forward with its first pick?
– Where does a potential bid come for NGA talent Finn Emile-Brennan?