Melbourne have just two selections at their disposal for the 2024 AFL Draft, but both picks fall in the first half of this year's opening round to have the Demons well-positioned to add exciting talent to their list.
A busy trade window saw the Demons exit the exchange period with Essendon's first-round selection for this month's intake, with Melbourne parting with their opening pick for the 2025 draft as well as their suite of later selections.
The trade sees the Demons hold multiple first-round picks for the second time in as many years, with the club taking Caleb Windsor and Koltyn Tholstrup with Picks 7 and 13 in 2023.
With some list needs yet to be addressed, we assess how Melbourne could use their early selections this year...
Draft Hand
Picks:ย 5, 9
A draft hand like no other, Melbourne will have two grabs at the top 10 of this year's draft class - which presents plenty of exciting options for the opening night of the count. Pick 5 will likely see the Demons move for a midfielder given the shape of the 2024 class, while Pick 9 is where the next tier of teenagers present themselves in most rankings.
Melbourne will want to study how St Kilda might attack the draft, with the Moorabbin club having Picks 7 and 8 before the Demons have their second selection.
Having traded their future first-round pick to Essendon during the trade period, Melbourne are unlikely to trade into this year's draft unless they see a prospect they like late into the piece.
List Needs
Dynamic Midfielder:ย A midfielder who can come through the complement the club's current onballers in the years to come might be ideal for the Demons. The uncertainty surrounding star duo Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca this year might not go away in 2025, meaning Melbourne will want to have their next line of midfielders ready to go to avoid a game of catch-up recruitment. Caleb Windsor looks a gem 12 months on from joining the red and blue, but more young midfielders are needed, especially with Jack Viney turning 31 early into next season.
Key Forward Depth:ย The Demons have struggled to find their best forward mix over the past couple of seasons, with their attacking inconsistencies often their biggest downfall. Jacon van Rooyen is their spearhead for the future, but further support is needed in the air, with Harrison Petty and Dan Turner yet to fire on a consistent basis. Matthew Jefferson, who was taken at Pick 14 two years ago, should get a look in 2025, but more tall forward competition is needed, and this year's draft class presents some exciting options.
Best Available:ย When your only two selections fall in the top 10, you want to be making the most of those picks. For the Demons, they'll have access to a pair of prospects who may both be rated near the top of the tree in other draft classes. While list needs are a major factor in recruitment thinking, clubs will often take the player atop their own rankings when on the clock. It's an avenue the Demons could take with both selections this year.
Potential Targets
Harvey Langford:ย A midfielder who uses his size and strength to his advantage in the middle, Langford is an attacking-minded midfielder who can have a significant impact on the scoreboard. Likened to Western Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli given his craft as a ball-winner that is equally damaging over his head, Langford might be available at Pick 5 but is unlikely to slide to Pick 9. He'll be one of a few top midfielders likely up for grabs for the Demons, who will weigh up what kind of ball winner will be suit their current midfield setup.
Harry Armstrong:ย Viewed by many as the leading key forward in this year's draft, Armstrong had a sensational year with the Sandringham Dragons and Vic Metro, finding success at both levels. He would kick 27 goals from 10 Talent League games and a further nine goals from a trio of appearances at the National Championships to earn Team of the Year at each. His high-leaping and sharp kicking would be a nice addition to the Demons, who might be able to have Armstrong develop his craft for 12 months before launching at the top level, much like Jacob van Rooyen's development. The Ormond junior could go at either Pick 5 and 9, while the Saints will be keen on Armstrong too, potentially causing the Demons some headaches.
Luke Trainor:ย A different option for Melbourne to consider, with Trainor one of the best defenders on offer at 194cm. A clean user of the ball who is a strong interceptor, Trainor is a suitable option at Pick 9 for the Demons to weigh up. He can push further up the field to be a more attacking asset, utilising his ball skills and footy IQ. Trainor looked comfortable against VFL opposition this year for the AFL Academy, proving to be a teenager who could make the leap to AFL football almost immediately.
