MELBOURNE hasaccepted the AFL commission’s decision to not award it a priority selection atthis year’s NAB AFL Draft.

The AFL commissionconfirmed on Monday that there would be no priority picks awarded to any clubfollowing the conclusion of the 2013 Toyota AFL home and away season, under thespecial assistance rule.

But chiefexecutive Peter Jackson said the club would have been derelict in its duty hadit not sought assistance, given Melbourne’s poor on field record in recentseasons.

“Theclub believed its form in recent years warranted a submission for a prioritypick. The role of the AFL commission is to make independent judgements on suchrequests and we accept their decision today (Monday) not to grant the club aPriority Pick and move on,” he said.

However, the AFLCommission advised all clubs at Monday’s meeting in Melbourne that the Demonswould receive one-off funding of $1.45 million. 

Of that $1.45mamount, $1 million is a grant and $450,000 is subject to the club raising anequal amount of money. 

The club also hasthe ability to borrow an additional $500,000 on its facility, which the AFL hasguaranteed.

“Whilstmedia reports of the funding amount have been considerably higher, the amounthas met the club’s expectations and we acknowledge the AFL’s consideration andsupport. As previously stated, the funding will go to paying the one-off costsassociated with significantly restructuring the club’s management structureincluding areas within the football department. This is a one off fundingpackage and will not be ongoing.”

In early 2012, theAFL commission approved stricter criteria for priority picks, and under theprocess, had accepted a recommendation from AFL general manager football operationsMark Evans that no priority picks be awarded this year.

The AFL hadreceived a request for formal consideration from the Melbourne Football Clubfor an extra selection at this year’s NAB AFL Draft.

“The Commissionhas determined, after a recommendation from the AFL Executive, that no Clubwill recieve a priority draft selection under the Special Assistance Rule in2013,” Mr Evans said.

“In coming to adecision, the AFL commission considered a range of factors, including theMelbourne Football Club’s recent performances, but also the opportunity theclub has to make improvements in its operations – including its coaching,recruiting, administrative, cultural and welfare programs, as well assignificant upside in young talent that is currently on the club’s list.”