Melbourne has gained Pick 9 for next month's National Draft following a pick swap with Essendon.
The Demons were keen to acquire a second first-round selection to go with their Pick 5 in a draft crop that has been spoken about a length due to its impressive talent and depth, along with a future third-round selection.
But the Bombers also walk away with a grin on their face, having banked plenty of draft capital - some they received from Adelaide - to match a bid on NGA prospect Isaac Kako on draft night as well as Melbourne's 2025 first-round pick.
Essendon trade its 2024 Round 1 selection (currently 9) and its 2025 Round 3 selection in the 2024 and 2025 Telstra AFL Drafts respectively to Melbourne.
2/2
— AFL House (@AFL_House) October 13, 2024
Essendon will acquire 1,747 draft points for this year's draft from the Demons' selections but also the flexibility to trade out a 2025 first-round pick to gain a selection next month.
It leaves Essendon with 28, 31, 40, 46, 54 and 65 for next month's draft.
The Demons will hold Picks 5, 9 and 49, with the latter expected to be central to a deal with Brisbane for Harry Sharp.
Melbourne won't be able to use their future second or third-round picks, given they've offloaded their 2025 first-round selection to the Bombers.
โOur strategy has revolved around strengthening our draft hand and we're really confident this trade will allow us to bring in at least three first-round talents into the club over the next 14 months,โ AFL Talent and Operations Managerย Matt Rosaย said.
โThis pick swap allows us to acquire talent through our Academy prospects this year and allows us to do that without compromising a first-round selection.
โThis trade provides us with further flexibility over the coming days and in the lead-up to the National Draft. It also gives us the flexibility next year to hit the draft, trade or a combination of both.โ
