MELBOURNE impacted the first round of this year’s AFL Draft with two early selections, adding variety and depth to its midfield group. The Demons then sprung a surprise with its mature-age recruit late on night two, before landing a Next Generation Academy (NGA) graduate on the rookie list.

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DRAFT HAUL

National Draft:

6. Harvey Langford
11. Xavier Lindsay
68. Aidan Johnson

Rookie Draft:

Cat B. Ricky Mentha (NGA)

>> CLICK each player’s names for full profiles & highlights

Melbourne made no secret of its desire to take the best available talent with a pair of top-end selections. Midfielder Harvey Langford was the first, a 191cm powerhouse who can hold his own on the inside and runs hard on the outer. His ability to go forward and take strong grabs also provides a point of difference.

Langford’s top-age campaign could hardly have been any more decorated. He tied for the Larke Medal and established himself as a top five prospect in the eyes of many, proving undeniable with his sheer output and consistency. He’s also a lead-by-action kind of player and strong culture piece.

His fellow left-footer and Vic Country teammate Xavier Lindsay was called out next with pick 11. A different type at 183cm, Melbourne rated Lindsay’s footy IQ and ball use. He has developed nicely as a midfielder but may well start his career on the wing or off half-back.

After two important picks on night one, Melbourne would have to wait until the fourth-to-last selection to get on the clock again come night two. That’s barring Sydney’s bid for NGA member Riak Andrew, who the Dees opted against matching for. The tall defender is the brother of Gold Coast’s Mac.

Aidan Johnson was the Dees’ man, a surprise mature-age recruit out of VFL premier Werribee. The 193cm forward adds some readymade strength and physicality to Melbourne’s front six after the club overlooked younger talls early in the draft. The 24-year-old kicked 17 goals this season.

While Melbourne made no live selections in the Rookie Draft, NGA product Ricky Mentha was added to the Category B rookie list. The Alice Springs native made a name with his smarts and creativity up forward, but also found a second wind this year upon switching to defence.