MELBOURNE has topped up its playing list for a charge at the back half of 2026 with three new recruits at the mid-season rookie draft.

The Demons welcomed Lukas Cooke (selection No. 11), Joel Fitzgerald (selection No. 16) and Max Mapley (selection No. 19).

Hear from Jason Taylor below.

Lukas Cooke (Pick 11)

Hailing from South Australia, Cooke arrives at Melbourne from SANFL side Woodville-West Torrens Eagles. After representing South Australia during his junior career, Cooke has worked to build his game at SANFL level and establish himself as a reliable, intercepting option down back. Standing at 196cm, he has found his best form in defence this season, averaging 18 disposals and eight marks per game.

Joel Fitzgerald (Pick 16)

Following an impressive run of form at VFL level, Fitzgerald arrives at Melbourne after successfully transitioning from defence into the midfield this year. After spending time in Essendon’s VFL program before moving to Williamstown ahead of the 2024 season, Fitzgerald has emerged as one of the competition’s leading ball-winners in 2026. He is averaging 34 disposals per game, the third-highest figure in the league, including a standout 40-disposal, two-goal performance.

Max Mapley (Pick 19)

Mapley joins Melbourne after spending the first half of the season with Tasmania’s VFL side, following a junior pathway that also saw him represent the state in the Coates Talent League. Still developing as a ruck prospect, the 20-year-old has shown strong potential across his seven VFL appearances this year, averaging 18 hit-outs, 12 disposals and three clearances per game.