WITH the 2021 AFL Draft done and dusted, Rookie Me Central takes a look through each clubs’ hauls to assess the areas they bolstered and what each fresh face promises to bring to their new side. Next under the microscope is reigning premier, Melbourne; who went tall in round one, nabbed a bargain in round two, and brought in a fast improving father-son.

National Draft selections:

#19 Jacob van Rooyen (Claremont/Western Australia)
#39 Blake Howes (Sandringham Dragons/Vic Metro)
#65 Taj Woewodin (East Fremantle/Western Australia)

Rookie Draft selections:

#16 Judd McVee (East Fremantle/Western Australia)

Category B Rookie selections:

Andy Moniz Wakefield (NT Thunder Academy/Nightcliff)

With the penultimate pick in round one, Melbourne got on the board with a West Australian tall who should put immediate selection pressure on the Demons’ current key position stocks. Able to play at either end of the ground, Jacob van Rooyen is a physically ready swingman who attacks the ball with great vigour aerially, and kicks goals in bunches.

Perhaps what the Dees will be most pleased with what occurred on night two, as Blake Howes slid all the way through to pick 39 after they considered him at 19. The Sandringham Dragons product is seen as a wingman by his new club, one who can work both ways and provide a sound marking outlet at 190cm. His athletic upside is high, and he only began to kick into gear once the Victorian season was cut short.

Rounding out Melbourne’s National Draft haul was father-son nominee Taj Woewodin, who was eventually packaged with East Fremantle teammate Judd McVee (rookie). Able to play on each line, Woewodin improved at a great rate in 2021 and offers drive with each possession. The smooth-moving McVee found a home at half-back this season, but can also use his class and turn of speed in midfield.

Finally, the Dees added Next Generation Academy (NGA) graduate and Northern Territory native Andy Moniz Wakefield to their Category B rookie list. A small midfielder with nice agility and sound short kicking, the Nightcliff product is a dangerous attacking mover who could inject a touch of flair over the long-term.