IN JUST the second-ever NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft, Melbourne has taken the opportunity to bolster its list for the back-half of the year.

With Marty Hore and Aaron Nietschke labelled as inactive players due to season-ending ACL injuries, the Demons were handed picks 15 and 24 for Wednesday night’s draft.

As a result, Kye Declase and Daniel Turner officially became AFL players.

Joining the club as rookies, the duo will provide instant depth to Melbourne’s backline stocks, while also looking to impress at training and secure their position beyond 2021.

Find out a little more about the two newest members of the red and blue below.

Kye Declase – Pick No.15

Age: 24

Height: 195cm

Weight: 85kg

Position: Wing/Defender

Drafted from: Werribee VFL

Kye Declase is no stranger to senior football, having played under Mark Williams for Werribee in the VFL.

While the term ‘utility’ gets thrown around regularly on draft night, Declase is just that.

Weighing in at 85kg, the big-bodied 24-year-old is a proven goal kicker, a reliable lockdown defender, and a strong runner who can push onto the wing.

Declase is a ready-made talent who spent a week training with the club earlier in the year and will provide immediate depth for the Demons this season.

Daniel Turner – Pick No.24

Age: 19

Height: 192cm

Weight: 79kg

Position: Key Defender

Drafted from: Murray Bushrangers

Daniel Turner’s strong start to the season for Albury and the Murray Bushrangers has helped him earn a position on an AFL list.

At just 19 years of age, Turner has settled into his role as a key defender well, with an impressive ability to read the ball in the air.

The strong intercept marker stands at 192cm and has plenty of development left in his game, making him an exciting prospect to watch for many years to come.