North Melbourne has pocketed Pick 3 as free agency compensation for the loss of key defender Ben McKay to Essendon.
McKay and the Bombers have agreed to a six-year contract that will see the tall backman depart Arden Street after eight years, joining ex-Roo Todd Goldstein in making the move to the Dons this off-season.
โI'm extremely humbled to start a fresh chapter in my journey at Essendon,โ McKay toldย essendonfc.com.au of the move.
โThe opportunity that has presented its self at Essendon is something I'm very grateful for. With Brad working hard to create a world class football program, it's something that I really want to be a part of and contribute strongly to, in the pursuit of taking this proud and powerful club back to we're it belongs.
โI'm eager to play alongside and work with guys like Jordan Ridley, Andy McGrath and Mason Redman in the backline, as well as working under coaches such as Daniel Giansiracusa, Blake Caracella and Dale Tapping.
โI would like to thank everybody at North Melbourne for my eight seasons at Arden Street. They have been nothing but supportive across my journey and wish them the very best going forward.โ
The length and financial figure attached to McKay's deal have been of great interest given the ramifications it leaves on North Melbourne's free agency compensation pick, with band one compensation seeing the Roos secure a draft selection immediately after their first-round pick.
The Kangaroos are set to enter the draft at Pick 2 following their 17th-placed finish, meaning band one compensation adds Pick 3 to their already strong draft hand.
Given McKay is of a restricted free agency status, North Melbourne were prepared to match Essendon's offer if compensation was lower than band one, but have opted not to match the offer and therefore receive Pick 3.
Adding to their selections of Pick 2 and 3, North Melbourne have Pick 14 thanks to a trade with Port Adelaide last year, as well as Pick 20 following the league's assistance package that was delivered last month.
The Kangaroos also have their own first-round selection for next year's draft as well as two selections that will fall at the back end of the opening round next year which also came via the AFL's assistance package.
The compensation acquisition is the fourth of the 2023 free agency window since its opening on Friday, with Adelaide pocketing Pick 19 for the loss of Tom Doedee to Brisbane on Monday.
Melbourne and GWS respectively received Picks 39 and 40 for the losses of James Jordon and Matthew Flynn.
Free agency closes on Friday, with Essendon also in line to acquire St Kilda's Jade Gresham as early as Tuesday.
