WITH season proper and trade period done and dusted, AFL fans and staff alike now turn their attention towards the draft (November 20-21). The chaos has momentarily 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 draft previews, we take a look at Melbourne’s hand and offer insight into how the Dees may utilise the picks at their possession. After another straight sets finals exit and an active trade period, the pressure is on to get things right come draft time.

LADDER FINISH: 4th (16-7, 125.2%) | Eliminated: Preliminary Finals
2023 PICKS: 6, 11, 42, 93
FUTURE PICKS: MEL R1, SYD R2, WB R3, MEL R4
CLUB-TIED PLAYERS: Kynan Brown (father-son), Orlando Turner (NGA)

FIRST PICK:

Boasting two first round selections and its own in 2024, there is no secret that Melbourne has made a play for pick one – albeit unsuccessful. The Dees may yet be active at the live trade table this year, particularly given their favourable position and West Coast’s interest in local star, Daniel Curtin.

Needless to say, Curtin could also be a target for Melbourne in anticipation of Harrison Petty‘s potential departure, acting as long-term assistance for Steven May and Jake Lever down back, or even midfield depth and swingman material. For similar reasons, Connor O’Sullivan will also be considered.

Despite already boasting one of the league’s most electric small forwards in Kysaiah Pickett, Nick Watson may also be in the Demons’ sights should he slip past Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs. Vic Metro teammate Nate Caddy would also offer forward firepower at the taller end of the scale.

Perhaps the most viable and best available player to Melbourne will be midfielder Ryley Sanders. This year’s Larke Medalist, the Tasmanian dominated each level of play with a high level of consistency, and could team up with Clayton Oliver on-ball to allow Christian Petracca to spend more time forward.

Depending on live trades, the Demons may end up with a utility like James Leake early in the piece, while there have been plenty of links to smooth moving running machine Darcy Wilson – a long-term option to slot in on the wing. Melbourne will also likely be the club to bid on Suns Academy ruck, Ethan Read.

REMAINING CROP:

Expected to use two or three picks at the draft, Melbourne will likely take one in the first round and another may be used to select father-son prospect Kynan Brown. The son of 146-game Dee Nathan, Kynan is a hard running and agile midfielder-forward who has worked his way into draft contention.

The best case scenario for Melbourne is that Brown slips through the National Draft without a bid, allowing the Demons to take him with their final pick. Next Generation Academy player and exciting small forward Orlando Turner is also tied to the club, but less likely to end up there this year.

There is a bit of flex in what Melbourne may do after its opening selection, which may yet be impacted by live trading. If the picks stay as they are, Wilson may still be on the board and looms as a shrewd option. Though, the Dees usually find a way to impact night one so expect that to happen again.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– What can Melbourne do to further enhance its first round hand?
– Will a bid come for father-son prospect Kynan Brown?