MELBOURNE will be a key player at the pointy end of this year’s AFL Draft, boasting a pair of top 10 selections. The Dees will look to rebound from a disappointing campaign, which produced the silver lining of pick five, as well as Essendon’s pick nine to target elite talent in what is a strong crop.

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2024 RECORD: 14th | 11-12 | 98.5%
2024 PICKS: 5, 9, 79
FUTURE PICKS: MEL R2, BL R3, MEL R4
ACADEMY/FATHER-SON NOMINEES: Riak Andrew, Ricky Mentha (both NGA)

FIRST PICK:
Pick 5

Melbourne is in the ideal spot to get some of the best value inside the top 10, with pick five likely to yield a slider out of the first few selections. The Dees look to have their eyes set on a trio of realistic options – Alix Tauru, Harvey Langford, and Jagga Smith – though there are several possible scenarios.

North Melbourne is said to be heavily into Tauru, but if it cannot manufacture a trade for pick two may instead take Finn O’Sullivan, leaving ‘The Flying Viking’ to Melbourne. Tauru, of Swedish descent, attacks the ball with vigour and impressed in the back-end of the season with his marking exploits at both ends.

Smith, an outside chance to go with pick one, is also said to be a target for Adelaide to trade up for – from pick four to two. With that being the case, and Carlton reportedly honing in on Sid Draper, Langford is another option for the Dees. The Larke Medallist is among the most bankable prospects available.

All of this, of course, hinges on Richmond selecting Sam Lalor with pick one. After that, the potential early trade between North and Adelaide will make things clearer for Melbourne, who would land either one of the many unique midfielders listed above, or the high-flying swingman in Tauru.

REMAINING CROP:
Pick 9, 79

Melbourne’s choice at pick five will likely have some implications on who comes through the door four selections later. While key position depth looms as a target area, taking Tauru first off the board may see the Dees resort to stocking up their midfield, which already boasts a strong starting combination.

Harry Armstrong is considered by many to be the best genuine key position player in the draft, and has kicked goals prolifically at every level. The 195cm aerialist has a strong set of hands and good speed off the mark, while his sweet left-footed set shots make him a reliable converter of chances.

Again, should a midfielder be the target, there remains a wealth of varied options. The smooth moving Murphy Reid would be hard to pass up, though looms as a potential slider from the top end. His body of work this year sits comfortably amongst the best of the crop, and his ball use is outrageously good.

The Dees have also shown interest in utilities Bo Allan and Tobie Travaglia. The former is a powerful 191cm defender whose power and contested game provide scope for development as a midfielder. The latter is a hard-running half-back or wing in the Will Day mould, who could also end up on-ball.

Outside of the pick nine decision, Melbourne is expected to take one more player in the National Draft and has pick 79 at its disposal. A pair of Next Generation Academy members in Riak Andrew (tall defender) and Ricky Mentha (small forward) have been nominated, though may be available as rookies.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– Who will be available to Melbourne at pick five?
– Will Melbourne target a tall/small combination?
– Will Melbourne take on both of its NGA nominees?