MELBOURNE went tall and truly national at the 2022 AFL Draft, picking up a bunch of long-term key position prospects for each line, and even uncovering a potential hidden rookie gem. We recap the Dees’ draft haul, analysing what each player may offer to their new club.

NATIONAL DRAFT

#15 Matthew Jefferson (Key Forward, Oakleigh Chargers/Vic Metro)
#38 Jed Adams (Key Defender, Peel Thunder/Western Australia)

ROOKIE DRAFT

#14 Will Verrall (Ruck/Key Forward, South Adelaide/South Australia)
#28 Oliver Sestan (Midfielder/Forward, Mansfield/Victoria)
Cat B – Kyah Farris-White (Basketball)

It was clear that Melbourne searched far and wide for new talent this year, selecting players from three different states, one out of school and country footy, and nabbing another from basketball. The Dees also went long-term with their approach, opting for highly developable talls with four of their five fresh faces.

Coming into the draft, Melbourne had long been linked with Matthew Jefferson at pick 15. The rangy Oakleigh Chargers product ended up being the Dees’ man, filling a key list chasm for that developing tall forward. Despite his light frame, Jefferson’s contested marking is outstanding, with his speed off the mark and mobility also impressive for a 195cm prospect. He needs few looks to have an impact.

The Demons made just one other selection in the National Draft and made their haul a set of bookends. Jed Adams was called out at pick 38, with a few clubs said to be in for the Peel Thunder defender within round two. Having burst onto the scene after a couple of injury riddled seasons, Adams cracked the senior WAFL grade this year and is an astute yet versatile backman.

Melbourne’s rookie intake began prior to the draft, with 206cm basketball convert Kyah Farris-White listed as a Category B selection. On Wednesday, the Dees added another ruck option in South Australia’s Will Verrall. The strongly built South Adelaide junior follows up well and will only learn good things off the likes of Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy.

Rounding out Melbourne’s haul was somewhat of a surprise packet in Oliver Sestan. Hailing from Mansfield in country Victoria, the powerful mid-forward booted 53 goals in just six Under 18 games for his local club and also caught the eye for Xavier College in the APS competition. The Dees did well to keep him under wraps, before pouncing on the prospect outside of the conventional pathway.