MELBOURNE has swooped on a prized top-end draft selection, earning itself a rare top four pick just a year before Tasmania dominates the draft.
Despite a seventh-place finish on the table at the end of the home and away season, the Demons have found their way to the top of the order by trading up with Gold Coast’s first round selection that came to the club in last year’s Christian Petracca deal.
In a mega five-team deal, Melbourne has brought in picks No. 4, 12, 31 and 46 while sending out selections No. 6, 10, 87, 2027 first and third rounders and a 2028 fourth rounder.
“Moving from pick six to pick four is a significant outcome for us and something we were really keen to achieve,” Lamb said.
“We wanted to get inside the top four to maximise our opportunity to secure elite young talent, so we’re really pleased with that outcome. We believe the first round of this year's draft is really even after the top echelon of players."
“Of course we still hold an additional first round selection this year which will mean we have had eight first round selections in the four years before Tasmania enter the competition.
"Given next year is heavily compromised by not only Tasmania coming in but Father Son and Academy selections, we were happy to trade out of next year to gain extra selections this year."
