WITH season proper and trade period done and dusted, AFL fans and staff alike now turn their attention towards the draft (November 28-30). The chaos has settled on player and pick swaps, and budding prospects have completed their combines, leaving a nervous wait until they learn their fate.

In the first of our club by club previews, we take a look at North Melbourne’s draft hand and offer insight into how the Kangaroos may utilise the picks at their possession. There’s some serious firepower in North’s hands too, boasting a pair of top five picks.

2022 FINISH: 18th

CURRENT PICKS: 2, 3, 23, 40

FUTURE PICKS: NM R1, PA R1, FRE R3, HAW R4

ACADEMY/FATHER-SON NOMINEES: Cooper Harvey

FIRST PICK OPTIONS:

Though they traded out pick one, which could have yielded necessary key forward depth in Aaron Cadman, the Kangaroos will bring in two elite prospects with the next consecutive selections. They may be left to make the Will Ashcroft bid before snapping up a pair of his Vic Metro teammates, likely to add midfield and forward firepower.

With Jason Horne-Francis out the door, George Wardlaw looms as a readymade replacement without the go home factor. A combative inside midfielder with traits indicative of an ideal teammate, Wardlaw suffered repeat hamstring injuries this year and hardly got out on the park, but clearly remains among the top talents and should land at Arden Street.

Given it holds the very next pick, North Melbourne will have a couple of other prospects at front of mind. Harry Sheezel has been heavily linked to the blue and white, pegged as a useful addition to the Kangaroos’ goalkicking stocks. Speedy midfielder Elijah Tsatas may also be in consideration given he offers outside run and consistent production the Roos seem to lack.

REMAINING CROP:

After the rush of two top five picks, North has an important selection to make in the second round. Given medium types are in the fold at the top end, a tall talent could be in the offing come pick 23. Of course, it is likely to slide down a few spots as bids on Ashcroft, Jaspa Fletcher, and Alwyn Davey Jr roll in.

Key defenders Lewis Hayes and Josh Weddle will likely be off the board by the time North Melbourne gets on the clock, but promising swingman Max Gruzewski could be their man. South Australians Harry Barnett and Isaac Keeler loom as long-term options in that range, too.

Depending on North’s pick two and three combination, some more midfield running power could come in the form of Coby Burgiel or Olli Hotton, who can also double as forwards. The Roos may also look for some defensive dynamism, bringing Lachlan Cowan, Jakob Ryan, or a bid on Max Michalanney into the equation.

The last point of call for North Melbourne in the National Draft will be bringing in father-son nominee Cooper Harvey. The son of AFL games record holder Brent, he is a hardened yet clean midfielder-forward who may attract interest in the middle of the draft. North’s plan is to use its last pick on him.

Of course, the Kangaroos also have two extra rookie selections to make having been afforded an assistance package by the AFL. They already made use of two future selections granted to them via the trade period.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– How will North Melbourne use picks two and three?
– Did North Melbourne trade out pick 43 too cheaply?
– Will Cooper Harvey attract interest before pick 40?