North Melbourne have knocked back a sensational offer from Adelaide that would have seen Pick 1 exchange hands for the first time since 2001, with three first-round selections heading to Arden Street in return.
The Crows' move comes as local talent Jason Horne-Francis firms to be the first selection of the upcoming National Draft next month and would be seen as a perfect acquisition for the rebuilding club out of West Lakes.
The Kangaroos look destined to hold onto Pick 1 through the trade period, with North Melbourne list boss Glenn Luff recently stating it would take a "pretty attractive" offer for the Shinboners to part ways with their place at the front of the queue.
Generational talent; something or someone that is so good that someone/thingย equalย in quality only comes around a few times in aย generation.
Also see: Jason Horne-Francis pic.twitter.com/esxQh13jWg
— Oli (@BouchezOliver) October 8, 2021
Despite leaving the door ajar for clubs to circle the prized selection, Adelaide's reported gargantuan proposal to land Pick 1 and therefore Horne-Francis has been declined by Luff and the Roos.
According toย AFL.com.au'sย Callum Twomey, the Crows placed their 2021 first-round selection (Pick 4), their future first-round selection and Melbourne's future first-round selection - which was acquired by the Crows earlier this week.
The Kangaroos would have also sent their future second-round pick to the Crows along with their top selection for this year's National Draft.
The proposal was reportedly baulked at by the Kangaroos, who now look destined to hold onto the rights to Pick 1, with a "pretty attractive" offer perhaps not coming greater than what Adelaide raised in negotiations.
The last time Pick 1 was traded came in 20 years ago, with Hawthorn acquiring the top selection along with Picks 20 and 36 for the 2001 Draft, sending Trent Croad and Luke McPharlin to Fremantle.
The Hawks went on to select four-time premiership player Luke Hodge with their new selection and would land fellow premiership captain Sam Mitchell with Pick 36.
Croad would also return to Waverley after just two seasons with the Dockers.