MELBOURNE has selected powerful young midfielder/forward Clayton Oliver, from the Murray Bushrangers, with its first pick in this year’s NAB AFL Draft.

National recruiting manager Jason Taylor said: “Clayton is a mid/forward from the Murray Bushrangers.”

“He’s 187cm and is strong, has good power and agility.

“He was able to build an endurance base over the season and really finish the second half of the season in good form, particularly his VFL footy.

“He really stood out at that level there and he’s got the ability to mark the ball and go forward and have an impact on the scoreboard.”