North Melbourne enter their second straight off-season with the wooden spoon in one hand and the first selection at the National Draft in the other.
2021 saw the Roos recruit Jason Horne-Francis out of South Adelaide with Pick 1, a selection that was subject to stunning trade offers from Adelaide and Richmond.
North stood firm to baulk at any external advances, no matter the wealth of picks on offer for their sole selection. But should an enticing package be on the table the Roos are seen to be more likely to work through negotiations for Pick 1 this year.
Should the Roos look to move their top selection, there are certainly a handful of scenarios that could see them gain multiple draft picks, or even players, in return.
Pick 1 hasn't been traded since 2001, with Fremantle parting with their place atop the draft board to lure Trent Croad and Luke McPharlin from Hawthorn, who received Picks 20 and 36 on top of the opening pick for the 2001 National Draft, where they were able to select four-time premiership great Luke Hodge.
Now it's unlikely we'll see a pair of packages swap hands like the Dockers and Hawks did 21 years ago, but there are several scenarios that the Roos could ponder.
Here we weigh up four scenarios that could see North Melbourne depart with Pick 1 for the 2022 National Draft.
SEE ALSO: Five trade targets for North Melbourne to consider
4. Scenario 4
Aggressive big fish pursuit - Carlton
Perhaps the wildcard option of the four scenarios, but the Roos must be brave if they think they can lure a big fish in a straight swap for Pick 1.
Across the competition, there are maybe 20-25 players that might be of this value, none of which are off-contract for 2023.
But a 'pre-agent' option could be there for the taking, with the Roos offering up their prized pick for someone of Harry McKay's stature.
North Melbourne have been crying out for a key-forward to pair with Nick Larkey, and the enticing thought of the McKay brothers in Harry and Ben bookending Alastair Clarkson's lineup is one that would have the Arden Street side suddenly seen as a top eight chance as early as next season.
Now obviously the Blues aren't in a window to be moving on one half of their attacking twin tower pairing of Mckay and Charlie Curnow, but would they consider the concept of bringing in Pick 1 just 12 months before McKay hits free agency.
The situation would only gain a pulse if the Blues were of the thought McKay was a chance to part at the end of next year, with the 2021 Coleman Medal winner already understood to be gaining significant interest and offers from other clubs.
The Roos may just be one of those clubs in the mix for the two-metre-tall forward, and if so must be considering a godfather offer for McKay in the form of parting with Pick 1.
