ENDORSEMENTS from former Adelaide coach Neil Craig and his former assistant Todd Viney were crucial in Melbourne's surprise decision to draft James Sellar with its last pick.

Sellar was taken with Melbourne's third and final selection at pick 54, becoming the first recycled player to be named on the night.

The tall forward played just 21 games in a five-year career with Adelaide, including five in 2011 before he was delisted at the end of the season.

But his fortunes lifted after Craig joined the Melbourne coaching staff in the off-season. Craig and now-Demons assistant Todd Viney, both spoke glowingly about the former Crow in draft discussions.

"Neil [Craig] has coached him for the past five years so we did seek his opinion and Todd Viney as well," Melbourne recruiting manager Barry Prendergast said after the NAB AFL Draft.

"We were able to have some valuable insight into James and that helps in making that decision."

The 22-year-old stands 196cm and 98kg and was taken with a view to support fellow recruit Mitch Clark and developing forward Jack Watts.

Prendergast said the Demons identified a need to add developed bodies to their attack.

"The 23-year-old demographic is something we don't have a lot of. We took four talls last year and our last two picks in 2009 were Max Gawn and Jack Fitzpatrick so they're all really young. We've got Frawley and Rivers who are the key tall defenders but not a lot of experienced talls in our forward line," he said.

"James can go forward and he can have a run in the ruck so his versatility is a great appeal as well."

Sellar was first taken with pick 14 at the 2006 NAB AFL Draft and was expected to go much higher but for an underwhelming state carnival while suffering from food poisoning.

He was considered a bargain but never consolidated a spot with the Crows as Kurt Tippett and Taylor Walker passed him.

However, Prendergast said a change of environment could be the spark Sellar needed.

"We see that happen with a lot of players. He is an Adelaide boy who can move out of Adelaide. He was a player who when he was drafted was seen as a fairly talented player," he said.

"He gets an opportunity to deliver on that talent and he is very keen, as you would be, it's a great opportunity for him."