NATIONAL recruiting manager Jason Taylor says Melbourne is confident it can secure the four players it has targeted in Wednesday’s NAB AFL Rookie Draft.
Taylor said there were several players he had on his list for last Thursday night’s NAB AFL Draft who were still in contention to be selected for the final two drafts.
“Given the way we’re situated, we’re picking very early in the first round and there’s only, at this point in time, one pre-season pick to my knowledge,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“That gives us a strong chance to get the player we desire. Then the next pick becomes a bit tricky.
“We’re still keen to target that midfield area and there are a few midfielders who were left over from the national draft, who we should be able to get our hands on. It gives us an advantage picking earlier.”
Taylor said there was “an element of needs over best available” in the rookie draft, but “you still need to be a little bit careful”.
“It’s been shortened [this year], but that’s a good thing to get players into your club quicker and on the training track.”
“But it does give you a little bit of time to reflect about what’s been able to come through in the trade period and the national draft in a positional sense. You just weigh that up versus best available talent.
“We’ve just worked through that process and we’ll put them in a bit of an order and see how we go.”
At this stage, Melbourne will use all four picks available in the rookie draft. The Demons are more likely to select younger players, rather than mature-age prospects.
Melbourne does not have a selection in the NAB AFL Pre-Season Draft, as it filled its primary list of 40 players in the AFL Draft.
Meanwhile, Taylor said the three players selected in the AFL Draft – Christian Salem (pick No.9), Jay Kennedy-Harris (No.40) and Jayden Hunt (No.57) – had made a good first impression at the club.
“Certain people in the footy department have already commented that they are nice, well-mannered, polite boys and they have already shown bits and pieces on the track,” he said.
“They haven’t done a lot yet, so it’s hard to really judge them, but they’ve been fine.”
