As the AFL Draft approaches, Melbourne is actively exploring options to secure multiple first-round selections, particularly by offering their earliest 2025 pick in potential trades. Currently, the Demons possess Picks 5, 28, 40, 48, 53, and 64 for the upcoming draft. Their second-best selection was acquired through a recent trade with Adelaide, which saw premiership player Alex Neal-Bullen join the Crows.
Last year, Melbourne successfully utilized their multiple first-round picks, choosing Caleb Windsor and Koltyn Tholstrup at Picks 7 and 13 during the initial round of the draft. With the objective of enhancing their roster, the club is now focused on leveraging their valuable Pick 5. Reports indicate that they are particularly interested in securing one of Fremantle’s three first-round selections in the 2024 draft.
Fremantle currently holds Picks 10, 11, and 18, gained through advantageous trades with Collingwood and Port Adelaide last season. Melbourne is eager to negotiate for one of these selections in exchange for their 2025 first-round pick. However, Fremantle is simultaneously in discussions with Richmond to acquire star player Shai Bolton, which could complicate matters for the Demons if it results in the Dockers parting with two of their top picks.
The competitive nature of this year’s draft has led Fremantle to reconsider their strategy, as retaining their first-round selections could be beneficial if they trade away the other two. On the broader trading landscape, several clubs, including North Melbourne, West Coast, and GWS, are also considering deals involving their first-round picks.
Brisbane and Gold Coast are similarly looking to optimize their draft positions. Brisbane is ready to trade Pick 20 in order to gather more picks for highly sought-after prospects, while Gold Coast is contemplating packaging their Picks 6, 13, and 23 to secure Academy talent Leonardo Lombard. With such activity, Melbourne has expressed interest in acquiring Pick 13 from Gold Coast, a selection that has drawn attention from multiple clubs, including Collingwood and Carlton, as they all vie for trades that could enhance their squads.
In a rapidly evolving trade landscape, Melbourne’s efforts to secure additional first-round picks highlight their commitment to strengthening their lineup, while the intricate negotiations among other clubs keep the draft dynamics lively and unpredictable.