MELBOURNE has selected Joel Fitzgerald with pick No.16 at the 2026 Mid-Season Draft.

Fitzgerald has played much of his career as a defender, but this year saw him make a move to the midfield where he proved his talents through the centre of the ground. 

After his junior career, Fitzgerald joined Essendon’s VFL side in 2022, before making the move over to Williamstown in 2024, playing with the Seagulls throughout the past two VFL seasons. 

This year, Fitzgerald is averaging the third highest disposals across the league with 34. His stats sheet since moving to the midfield has seen extreme numbers including a 40-disposal game against Essendon in Round 6, where he also registered six clearances and two goals.