MELBOURNE impacted the first round of this year’s AFL Draft with two early selections, adding variety and depth to its midfield group. The Demons then sprung a surprise with its mature-age recruit late on night two, before landing a Next Generation Academy (NGA) graduate on the rookie list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
>> EVERY PICK:<\/strong> National Draft<\/a> | Rookie Draft<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n National Draft:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 6. Harvey Langford<\/a> Rookie Draft:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Cat B. Ricky Mentha<\/a> (NGA)<\/p>\n\n\n\n >> CLICK each player’s names for full profiles & highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Melbourne made no secret of its desire to take the best available talent with a pair of top-end selections. Midfielder Harvey Langford<\/a> was the first, a 191cm powerhouse who can hold his own on the inside and runs hard on the outer. His ability to go forward and take strong grabs also provides a point of difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Langford’s top-age campaign could hardly have been any more decorated. He tied for the Larke Medal and established himself as a top five prospect in the eyes of many, proving undeniable with his sheer output and consistency. He’s also a lead-by-action kind of player and strong culture piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His fellow left-footer and Vic Country teammate Xavier Lindsay<\/a> was called out next with pick 11. A different type at 183cm, Melbourne rated Lindsay’s footy IQ and ball use. He has developed nicely as a midfielder but may well start his career on the wing or off half-back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n
>> FREE:<\/strong> View the 2024 AFL Draft Guide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nDRAFT HAUL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
11. Xavier Lindsay<\/a>
68. Aidan Johnson<\/p>\n\n\n\n