NORTH Melbourne was a key player at this year’s draft and ran rampant on the phones trying to manufacture live trades on night one. The Roos ended up landing their desired prospect with pick two before adding depth around the ground, including a father-son nominee.

>> EVERY PICK: National Draft | Rookie Draft
>> FREE: View the 2024 AFL Draft Guide

DRAFT HAUL

National Draft:

2. Finn O’Sullivan
27. Matt Whitlock
57. Luke Urquhart
67. River Stevens (father-son)

Rookie Draft:

1. Toby Pink (re-listed)

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

Rumours swirled in the lead-up to the draft surrounding North Melbourne’s pick two, with Richmond and Adelaide emerging as potential suitors. Neither club could settle on a deal with the Roos, who were happy to lock in Finn O’Sullivan after it became clear the Tigers would overlook him with pick one.

While well stocked in midfield, North rated O’Sullivan’s versatility and see him as a prospect who can fit in all around the ground. The all-rounder among a unique bunch of midfielders, he was considered the top prospect leading into this year but fell short of his best form due to seperate injury setbacks.

Nonetheless, O’Sullivan is regarded by North as a player who could be ready to go by Round 1. He rates highly for explosive speed and is strong overhead for his size, while also possessing a booming kick. Likely to fit in as a midfielder-forward, some clubs see his highest potential sitting at half-back.

From there, the Roos were busy on the phone trying to get back into night one. Their future first-rounder was tabled to all clubs from St Kilda (pick eight) onwards, with Richmond being the only taker all the way back at pick 27. It was a statement trade as North backed itself to improve significantly in 2025.

High-flying utility Alix Tauru was originally the target, but the Roos soon turned their attention to talls Harry Armstrong and Matt Whitlock. The Tigers snapped up Armstrong with pick 23, leaving Whitlock for North to trade in for. They nabbed pick 27 and Richmond’s future second in return for their future first.

Whitlock is a raw and athletic key position swingman who has arguably played his best footy down back, where he uses his speed to peel off and intercept, or create rebound run. He also thrived up forward this year with 27 goals in 14 Coates Talent League appearances, alongside twin brother Jack.

The Roos got back on the board late on night two, taking two of the last 15 picks. West Australian Luke Urquhart was the first at pick 57, offering an explosive streak through the middle of the ground. His clearance work and defensive grunt will hold up well at the top level, if he can improve his skills.

The Roos then added father-son nominee River Stevens (pick 67) to their senior list, another prospect who applies themselves defensively. River, the son of Anthony, plays the high forward role and defies his 176cm standing with toughness and effort. He’s also quite handy around goal.

Toby Pink was re-listed via the Rookie Draft but proved North Melbourne’s only point of call there. The Roos do not currently have a list vacancy to fill during the supplementary selection period, but former Gold Coast forward Darcy Macpherson has been sighted at preseason training.