West Coast have reportedly turned down an offer from North Melbourne for Pick 1 that would've included four draft selections landing in the Eagles' lap.
The Kangaroos are keen on jumping to the front of the draft queue to get first access to top-rated prospect Harley Ried, with the Victorian club currently sitting second and third in line following the acquisition of Pick 3 as free agency compensation for the loss of Ben McKay.
The Eagles are said to be keen on acquiring Picks 2 and 3 from North Melbourne if they were to hand over Pick 1 in a trade deal, however the Roos are reportedly not entertaining the idea of parting with both of their early selections.
North Melbourne also hold picks 15, 21, 25, 56 and 64 for this year's count, as well as multiple first-round selections for next year's National Draft.
According to AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey, the Roos tabled four picks in pursuit of Pick 1, with none of the selections included being either Pick 2 or Pick 3.
North Melbourne put four picks on the table to trade for West Coast’s pick 1.
15, 18, 21 & an end of first rounder next year. North among clubs eyeing Gold Coast’s pick 18 if they keep trading back.
Eagles aren’t accepting that deal but you suspect more Roos offers are coming.
— Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) October 11, 2023
The reported offer included Picks 15 and 21, their remaining end-of-first-round pick from the AFL assistance package, and Pick 18 - which is currently owned by the Gold Coast Suns.
The deal, which was shut down by the Eagles, would mean North Melbourne are prepared to work with the Suns and add Pick 18 to their hand. That selection was acquired by Gold Coast following a trade with the Western Bulldogs on Monday morning.
It's likely West Coast will be seeking Pick 2 in a deal that sees them part with Pick 1 to North Melbourne as the wooden spooners seek to remain at the top end of the draft order.
The Roos could also include their own future first-round selection, which may also fall among the top five picks for the 2024 draft.
Pick trading will recommence following next Wednesday's trade deadline, with a further selection swapping window to open on Monday, October 23 to Friday, November 10. Clubs are also able to trade picks during the days of the National Draft on November 20-21.
That could mean Pick 1 swaps hands after the trade period as attention turns to the draft.
