MAJAK Daw and Deakyn Smith have secured a spot on Melbourne’s rookie list, being told by coach Simon Goodwin of the news on Tuesday morning.
Daw, who was recruited by North Melbourne with pick No.9 in the 2009 Rookie Draft, was delisted following the 2020 season after playing 54 games at the top level.
He comes to Melbourne after key forwards Sam Weideman (femur) and Ben Brown (knee) have both been ruled out for the start of the season with injuries.
“We invited Majak to train following injuries to Ben Brown and Sam Weideman,” List Manager Tim Lamb told Melbourne Media.
“He is progressing really well and we think he could play a valuable role for us during the season.”
Smith, who has also impressed the Demons’ officials, joins the club after being identified through Melbourne’s Next Generation Academy.
“We have been tracking Deakyn closely for a number of years, since his involvement in the academy program, and have always liked what we saw, so we are delighted to offer him a spot on our rookie list,” Lamb said.
“Unfortunately, he didn’t get to play at all last year due to COVID and this hampered his draft chances.
“Deakyn is a quality young man who has impressed everyone during the pre-season and we believe he has a really bright future at the club.”
Kobe Farmer, the son of former Melbourne great Jeff Farmer, commenced training with the Demons in January and has been able to experience football at the highest level, but won’t be offered a spot on the rookie list.
“We thank Kobe for his commitment during his time with us – he has given it his all and shown some good signs,” Lamb said.
“He is a terrific young man but unfortunately, we are not in a position to offer him a spot at this point in time, however, we will continue to monitor his progress going forward.”
More recently, Werribee player Kye Declase was also invited to train, although did not have long to impress – he only completed two sessions with the Demons.
Declase was not offered a spot on the rookie list.
“We wish Kye all the best with his football journey,” Lamb said.
Clubs are able to sign players through the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period, which ends on Tuesday.