HAVING prioritised its midfield depth across a drawn-out rebuild, North Melbourne lays claim to a premium pick at the top-end of a draft renowned for its array of on-ball talent. Nonetheless, opportunity presents for the Roos to either take on another quality prospect, or utilise their strong hand to both shuffle down the order and manufacture another hit at the first round.

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2024 RECORD: 17th | 3-20 | 63.5%
2024 PICKS: 2, 62, 76, 86
FUTURE PICKS: NM R1, NM R2, NM R3, NM R4
ACADEMY/FATHER-SON NOMINEES: River Stevens (father-son)

FIRST PICK:
Pick 2

Given how North Melbourne has recruited in the past and what is available at the top of this year’s crop, holding pick two is both a blessing and a curse. It is no secret the club is massively into high-flying tall utility Alix Tauru, but spending such capital on the bolting prospect seems a significant stretch.

That being the case, there has been growing talks surrounding a move back down the order, albeit only slightly. Adelaide is interested in nabbing pick two with its eyes set on Jagga Smith, tabling pick four as part of a potential live trade. North is also asking for a future second round selection in return.

Shuffling down a couple of spots would make taking Tauru so high a little more palatable, and it’s a link which makes sense for the Roos’ list. The athletic swingman is an eye-catching aerialist with potential to either slot in as a third tall defender, or support Nick Larkey as a marking outlet in the long-term.

Pick four would just about be the right range for North to land in, given Melbourne (pick five) is also said to be keen on Tauru ahead of the likes of St Kilda and Richmond with the picks thereafter. There is a scenario, though, where the Roos do not budge from their current position.

Richmond is expected to take Sam Lalor with pick one and if that is the case, Tauru or midfielder Finn O’Sullivan look like landing at Arden Street. The latter was widely considered the leading prospect heading into 2024, but injury scuppered his campaign. He’s as well-rounded as anyone in the draft pool.

REMAINING CROP:
Picks 62, 76, 86

Depending on what happens with pick two, North Melbourne has another big call to make on night one. Stocked with a complete set of future picks, the Roos have openly stated that its 2025 first-rounder could be used to swindle another shot at this year’s top 20. It would be a heck of a gamble.

Depending on North’s improvement next year, its first 2025 selection is likely to land in the top five and holds great value, but is up against the strength of this year’s crop. A club like Richmond has been touted as the main target for such a trade having previously been linked to a move for pick two.

The potential to slot back into the teens would see an array of key forwards enter the conversation. Jonty Faull is one who fits the bill as an aggressive lead-up type who can venture up the ground and apply pressure. Elsewhere, the likes of Jack Whitlock and Jobe Shanahan will be in high demand.

Barring the secondary trade scenario, athletic and developable talls like Floyd Burmeister, Gabriel Stumpf, and Charlie West should be available late in the piece as forwards who can ruck. The Roos also have access to father-son nominee River Stevens, a small forward, and will rookie list Toby Pink.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– Will North Melbourne trade out of pick two?
– Can North Melbourne secure another first round pick?
– Is a key forward on North Melbourne’s radar?