Following a fifth consecutive bottom five finish, North Melbourne will again have access to the top end of the draft as they look to rise back up the ladder under coach Alastair Clarkson.
The Roos have recruited seven first-round draft selections over the past two years, with this year's intake seeing them either add one of the best players on offer at Pick 2 or split that selection and again acquire multiple first-round rated teenagers.
They will weigh up potentially splitting their early pick in favour of multiple later selections that could aid their list build, while a late selection for the draft is likely to be used for a father-son tied prospect.
Here's how North Melbourne's draft plans could play out for 2024...
Draft Hand
Picks: 2, 62
A small hand for the Roos after holding five first-round selections last year. Their 2024 selections are a chance to look a little different come the end of the draft, but North Melbourne will remain in the first round of the count, whether that be through holding Pick 2 or splitting the selection.
Potentially looking away from drafting another midfielder toward the top of the board, the ability to trade their opening pick for multiple later first-round selections could see the Kangaroos still acquire their desired prospect while getting another bite of the apple on opening night.
They do have a father-son prospect in River Stevens, the son of two-time premiership player Anthony, so the club will need to have the capital to bid on Stevens late into the draft or could acquire him as a rookie after the national intake.
List Needs
Demanding Key Forward: There is a desperate need for North Melbourne to add top line talls via this year's draft, which offers a number of viable options who could be primed for selection midway through the first round. That's why trading back Pick 2 for multiple later picks in the opening round might suit the Roos more, with the club having drafted a midfielder or ball-winner with their last seven opening first-round picks. Nick Larkey is in need of support up forward, with Charlie Comben's best role potentially in defence. Zane Duursma needs more time, with another promising key forward to slot alongside him and Larkey perhaps the avenue to take.
Intercepting Defender:ย The Roos have looked to address a need for key defenders over the past few seasons, adding Griffin Logue, Kallan Dawson, Bigoa Nyuon and Wil Dawson to their list, the latter being a first-round pick 12 months ago. Logue has had a luckless spell at Arden Street since crossing from Fremantle, while Nyuon has been cut and Kallan Dawson has tried to manage at the top level. Aidan Corr will be 31 early into next season, while Charlie Comben and Toby Pink have been required to balance their time at both ends of the field. Looking to build a backline for the long haul, an intercepting stopper who can complement the likes of Wil Dawson, Comben and Logue in the years to come is likely to be on North Melbourne's wish list.
Small Forward Threats:ย The Kangaroos will potentially assess this year's pool of goalsneaks as they look to further sharpen their spear for the future. Luke Parker will have a role to play in the front half but is near the end of his career, while fellow Swan-turned-Roo Jacob Konstanty is an unknown quantity after going without a game across two years with Sydney. Another ground-level threat who can work with Paul Curtis and Eddie Ford in the front half of the field might be of interest to the Kangaroos
Potential Targets
Alixzander Tauru:ย A name who has been closely linked to the Kangaroos as they show strong interest in the Gippsland Power swingman. Tauru has rocketed up draft rankings thanks to his stellar season in the Talent League, with his high-leaping and courageous marking attempts often paying off for the athletic youngster. Tauru had a sensational year as a defender before rolling forward and kicking seven goals in his last five games with the Power, proving to be a formidable utility option who may be favoured as an intercepting defender in the Roos' eyes.
Jonty Faull:ย Among the top batch of key forwards from the 2024 draft class, Faull had an exceptional second half to the year after returning from injury. The GWV Rebels spearhead booted 27 goals from 11 games in the Talent League, flexing his aerial dominance and sharp goalkicking while pinch-hitting in the ruck. The 195cm attacker could be available to the Kangaroos if they were to split Pick 2 for a top 10 selection and a late first-round pick, using the latter to acquire Faull on top of their earlier selection. Murray Bushrangers tall Jack Whitlock is another name for the Roos to consider.
River Stevens:ย The father-son tied forward is set to land at North Melbourne via the draft, be that as a late pick in the National Draft or as a rookie addition. The Kangaroos are likely to have three list spots open for the main intake, potentially keeping their last vacancy available for Stevens. The 176cm forward showed plenty of glimpses for the Geelong Falcons this year, including two three-goal, 15-disposal games where he was also able to show his worth as a pressure forward option. He played two games for Vic Country this year for a return of three goals, having no issue at the top level at this year's carnival.
