SEASON 7 premiers Melbourne went back to the AFLW Draft well again, clearing out a quarter of its list – by either choice or request – to position itself high up in the draft. Boasting two picks inside the first 12 and three inside the top 23, the Demons can collect a trio of talented players to compliment its already incredibly strong list.

OFF-SEASON CHANGES

In: Lily Johnson, Pick 5, Pick 12, Pick 23, Pick 40
Out: Georgina Fowler (retired), Jordan Ivey, Samantha Johnson (delisted), Libby Birch, Casey Sherriff, Eliza West, Charlotte Wilson, Maddison Gay (traded), Pick 16, Pick 35, Pick 56

Draft Selections: 5, 12, 23, 40, 74

As so often can be the case, Melbourne lost a fair bit of its depth over the off-season, with a couple of players in Libby Birch and Maddison Gay being best 21 losses, and Casey Sherriff and Eliza West also capable of holding a spot in the Dees’ strong side. Though the departures will undoubtedly affect the Demons depth, they are set to bring in some high quality young guns to rebuild on the run with a side that will contend for many years to come. The sole player they added over the Trade Period was Port Adelaide forward, Lily Johnson.

FIRST PICK

Considering Melbourne’s sustained success, the Demons walk into the draft with a top five pick in a massive coup for the talented team. Given it is the third Victorian pick – behind the two Western Bulldogs selections – the Dees are guaranteed to swoop on a top-end talent.

A best case scenario for Melbourne fans would be the availability of Eastern Ranges small forward Alyssia Pisano, with the possibility not entirely farfetched. The Dees would need her to slip through the Western Bulldogs, but if there at the Dees pick, the red and blue would snap her up quickly.

The Demons would also consider talented Tasmanian midfielder Brooke Barwick and speedy defender/wing Jessica Rentsch, while Dandenong Stingrays midfielder and Vic Country co-captain Mikayla Williamson also looms as a chance for the Dees depending on what the Dogs do.

REMAINING DRAFT CROP

Melbourne will also get access to father-daughter selection Jemma Rigoni, with the over-age Oakleigh Chargers utility set to earn a bid somewhere in the first 30 picks. In a dream scenario it comes after the Dees’ Pick 23, but the main goal for Melbourne will be getting it past Pick 12. If it does, the Dees will match the bid and add the daughter of 100-gamer Guy, to the list.

Looking at Pick 12, the Demons will take a long hard look at bidding on Evie Long who fits a need, which is their need for speed and aerial ability. That also means that Georgia Clark could well be a target at Pick 12, boasting contested marking ability which would fit in with the Dees’ other forwards. Williamson is one who finds space and loves to run, and if there at Pick 12, it would be hard to see the Dees say no.

Later on at Pick 40 assuming Rigoni has been matched at Pick 23, Melbourne can pick up a speculative player with plenty of upside. That could be Tshinta Kendall who would play a similar style of run and gun from defence, or they would look at topping up their midfield with the likes of Georgia Stubs, Mackenzie Ford or overager Asha Turner Funk.

If the Demons wanted a like-for-like for West, then Tyla Crabtree is a fantastic replacement, while Queensland skipper Josie McCabe is a taller version with similar traits and is as hard working as they come.

SUMMARY

Melbourne has a strong list regardless of what happens at the draft, but the Demons have the opportunity to pick up some long-term stars for the club. Well placed inside the first round and the likelihood of securing a father-daughter in Rigoni, the Demons fans can be excited about what the future holds.