NATIONAL recruiting manager Jason Taylor says Melbourne will “entertain” all offers regarding pick No.2.
The Demons currently have the selection in the NAB AFL Draft, but is willing to part with it in the upcoming trade period.
“We’ll entertain anything with our draft picks,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“If we feel it’s in favour of the club and it fits the list dynamic, then a trade might be our option. If that’s not the case, then we’ll certainly go to the national draft and pick the best available player.”
Taylor said talk of Hawthorn dual premiership player Lance Franklin joining the Sydney Swans on a nine-year deal on Tuesday was just another new element to the new age of free agency and trade.
“Each year, things like what happened with Buddy [Franklin] yesterday (Tuesday), make people think a little bit differently and take it a little bit harder,” he said.
“There’s always a wave of emotion when things like that happen.
“But full credit to Sydney if that goes ahead and they get on the front foot and make it happen – we’ll just worry about what we’ve got to do. I’m not sure it’ll change things dramatically. I’d expect it to be fairly active.”
Speaking at the second day of the NAB AFL Draft Combine at Etihad Stadium, Taylor said there were always “bits and pieces” to be gained from the four-day event.
“The main facet of the Combine is to get players in front of the coaching staff that you’re unable to do once the season’s in [full] swing. We do some interviews earlier in the year and the middle of the year and just in general throughout the year,” he said.
“You also like to do some follow up points and talk to players and that’s always a huge benefit to be able to get certain players in front of the coaching staff.
“While testing is very important, it’s not the be all and end all and for certain athletes who are trying to get better results in their endurance and speed – they set themselves goals and it’s always interesting to see how they attack that and how they perform. It’s more about intent than result.”
Taylor said several players, including likely No.1 draft pick Tom Boyd (Eastern Ranges) were unlikely to complete all the tests due to an arduous season.
“Whether it’s injury or slight operations they’ve had at the end of the year in preparation for what comes next,” he said.
“The one that stands out – and he showed that last year for endurance – was Josh Kelly. He ran sub 10 last year for the three-km [time-trial] and everyone will be looking to see how he goes and backs up with that.”
Approaching his first recruiting period at Melbourne, Taylor, the former right-hand man to Collingwood national recruiting manager Derek Hine, said he had relished his time so far in the job.
“I’ve loved every minute of it and I’ve got a really good team to work with,” he said.
“It’s a great job and I’m very passionate about it. It’s exciting, dynamic and it keeps you on your toes, so … I love it.
“I look forward to what’s ahead come November and we’ll see how we go and hopefully we come out with some good players who we can add to the list through either trade or the draft.”
