Melbourne Demons Mock Draft

Trade With Port Adelaide

Pick 14 and 2027 Future 2nd( Tied To Brisbane) To Port Adelaide

Pick 12 to Melbourne

Pick 7- Ethan Driver 188cm Midfielder Compared To- Finn Callaghan

Pros

*Elite Explosiveness & Line Breaking *Big-Bodied Versatility * Clean Hands & Composure

Cons * Field Kicking Consisency * Defensive Accountability * Scoreboard Impact

Pick 14- Sam Gayfer 194cm Key Forward Compared To- Josh Treacy

Pros * Historic Athleticism & Leap * Elite "High-Octane" Work Rate * Competitive Agility & Versatility

Cons * Strength Against Mature Bodies * Consisency of Set- Shot Goal Kicking * High-Risk Aerial Over-Commitment

Pick 50- Benji Van Rooyen 203cm Ruck/ Key Forward Compared to- Darcy Cameron

Pros * Elite Presence & Intercepting * Ground-Level Work Rate * Versatility and Clean Skills

Cons * Aerobic Base & Endurance * Injury History * Raw Craft & Physical Development

Pick 52- Marcus Prasad 167cm Small Forward Compared To- Isaiah Dudley

Pros * Elite Crumbling Instincts & Goal Sense * Rapid Speed & Agility * High-Impact Disposal & Vision

Cons * Extreme Height Deficit * Durability & Physical Vulnerability * Defensive Consisency

Do any other players come in, and who makes way?

Culley? Salem? XT? Latrelle? Jeffo? Cross?

Pick 4? Pick 14?

Do we play a backup ruck?

I can see a world where Langford spends more time in the midfield, allowing Culley to come in and play that big-bodied wing role that King seems to like from his time at Geelong

Can Tom Matthews find his way into the side in his second year at the club?

Anyone else I haven’t mentioned?

Played the 12th most games for Melbourne in the history of the club.

Trent Rivers

Remaining 2021 premiership players on the list

before we get too cooked on lamb hear me out

last year he turned petracca into picks seven and eight plus gold coasts 2026 first, which is now pick 4 thanks to the MEGA TRADE and GC flopping. and picked up Steele for a future 3rd.

yeah the viney and rivers return is underwhelming but its not just about picks its also about getting their deals off the books. both of them chose west coast, and you cant get first round value for guys who want out. the oliver deal was bad too, no point pretending otherwise but again had monetary implications

but zoom out. the whole point was to get young and stock up on picks around king, and that's what's happened. other clubs clearly rate him as well, adelaide tried to poach him earlier this year and he knocked them back

also people forget he was one of the main architects of the 2021 list. he knows how to build one, it just takes a few years

judge him in 2028, not on deadline day

welcome Bodie.

welcome Will. Thanks Trent and Jack. all the best.

Zane Duursma is now a Demon after North Melbourne and Melbourne agreed to a trade on Tuesday. The exciting young forward got his wish to land at the Demons, with the Roos receiving picks 33 and 49, with pick 52 heading to the Dees along with Duursma. With the Duursma deal done, the Roos are now set to turn their attention to their pursuit of Nick Murray, having already put forward the No.33 pick in an offer to Adelaide for the defender. Drafted out of the Gippsland Power, Duursma booted 28 goals across 38 games for North Melbourne after he was taken with the fourth selection in the 2023 draft. The 21-year-old played 15 games in 2026, but didn't play again after round 16 after struggling to cement his place in the Roos' side. Despite not locking down a regular spot, Duursma remains highly regarded across the competition after showing flashes of the talent that made him one of the standout prospects in his draft class.

Brisbane has rejected pick 48 for Will McLachlan and their pick 33 looks more likely to be given to North Melbourne in the Zane Duursma deal. McLachlan has nominated Melbourne as his new home, but the Lions haven't been afraid in the past to drive a hard bargain - remember Cal Ah Chee last year. Will be a fascinating watch.

If Sam De Koning wants to get to Melbourne that will get done. Steven King and Matthew Scarlett know the player, the relationships are there, Melbourne have picks in the range Geelong would play for, there was a report Melbourne met with him earlier this year, if the coaches tick him off that should be it, Melbourne seems the best fit. With Murray yet to unlock for North Melbourne, their attention has to now be on Sam De Koning as the guy to cement up the back six, that's the other club where the trade works if they switch from Murray to SDK.

Collingwood is facing a "complication" in the final days of the trade period as the 'Pies look to do deals for Flynn Riley and Jayden Short. The 'Pies have signed Jesse Hogan and Lachie Neale, taking them to 33 senior-listed players. Clubs can have a maximum of 38 senior-listed players and with the deal for Riley looking likely and the club required to take three picks at the draft, there is little room to move. Richmond are aware that other clubs are interested, St Kilda haven't been ruled out and Melbourne said they wouldn't go there at what Richmond were looking for but that price is looking more flexible now as the trade window closes. Jayden Short wants to play for the Magpies, but no offer has been put forward with less than two days remaining in the trade period. Collingwood now feel it's unlikely a deal there will get done. Collingwood have worked out a contract for Short and Richmond are open to a trade but there needs to be an offer made soon.

Trade for Lachie Whitfield has been DONE. Carlton gets: Whitfield, picks 31, 50. GWS gets: Picks 25, 26, 2028 third-round pick.

Magpies list boss Justin Leppitsch is adamant that Dan Houston will remain at Collingwood in 2027.

Keidean Coleman has told Brisbane he wants to be traded to Essendon after meeting with Mark McVeigh and the Bombers. Bombers officials met with the contracted Lion over the past 24 hours, with Coleman telling the Lions he was keen to explore a move after a challenging few seasons with his body. The offer from Essendon is set to "double his wage" according to Mitch Cleary which dwarfs what other clubs could've offered. Essendon holds picks 17, 21 and 27, with that last pick the one currently on the table. Essendon is standing firm that it won't offer more than pick 27 to Brisbane for Keidean Coleman.

The Giants are set to retain defender Harry Himmelberg despite some interest from rival clubs.

Port Adelaide believe a fresh start is a mutually beneficial outcome for key forward Ollie Lord if Essendon or Melbourne come forward with an offer.

Former Fremantle defender Ollie Murphy believes he is ready to flourish in the AFL system if given a second chance as a train-on player after building strength and size at the Dockers and sharpening his skills against the team's star forwards. A 200cm backman who was an All-Australian at under-18 level, Murphy was delisted by the Dockers last month after three seasons, with the club deciding it could not retain him on a list that includes five other key defenders. While Fremantle's depth and incredible run with injuries worked against Murphy this season, the 21-year-old said he had learned a lot at the Dockers and he was hungry and physically prepared for another opportunity. After adding 16kg to his frame over three seasons, however, Murphy made a point of testing himself against the Dockers' star forwards in training and generating his own belief that he belonged on an AFL list. "At training, I'd be like 'get me on Treacy. I need to see what I can do'. I had that mentality of, 'If I can defend those three, then I can take on any other key forwards at AFL level', and I think I had my days on them. Coming into the AFL, I was about 85kg, and now I'm 101kg, so it does feel like now I could flourish in the system, because my attributes like my contested marking and my running have only gotten better. Now I want to build that explosive power out on the field with my one-on-one defending and take that to a higher standard". There are a number of clubs looking at key defenders this period, including Western Bulldogs, Essendon, Adelaide, Gold Coast and Melbourne.

The Tsatas camp explored his options last year, but the Bombers were unwilling to trade him. A leaked photo of Brisbane’s whiteboard analysis from this year had 'fumbly' listed to Tsatas, with the kicking technique, specifically his ball drop, being a talking point which has plagued his career. Tsatas’ defensive accountability, intensity and ground-ball work under pressure were viewed as even greater issues, but he has no trouble finding the Sherrin. Sources have said that Tsatas reached out to good friend George Wardlaw, who he played with at Oakleigh Chargers, but was told North Melbourne are not looking at adding more midfielders, although they are linked with de-listed Geelong mid George Stevens. Instead his lifeline may come from Hawthorn or Melbourne, neither have promised anything but there is a possibility he gets an invite to try out in pre-season for a contract during the SSP. Both clubs are attracted to his speed and back themselves to fix kicking skill.

St Kilda has closely monitored Nik Cox including sending recruiting staff to the Gold Coast to watch the 200-centimetre utility play in the VFL on April 18. Yet to receive a contract for 2027, Essendon are yet to formally de-list the tall utility but there is some interest there with Melbourne also having been in contact with his management this season.

Zac Williams looks set to receive a lifeline from Sydney as a de-listed free agent once the Blakey trade goes through. Essendon had also shown some interest but look set on acquiring Coleman. No interest from Collingwood, Geelong, Gold Coast, Melbourne or St Kilda who have all been in the market for ball users in the back half.

Brandon Zerk-Thatcher has been open to a move but yet to find any interest from rivals and is yet to receive a contract offer from Port Adelaide for 2027.

Carlton, Melbourne, Tasmania and the AFL have all reached out to Chris Fagan, offering him a role in 2027. Fagan previously worked at Melbourne when Neale Daniher coached the club, and has links to the Devils given his origin and strong links to the state.

Melbourne has put forward pick 33 for Zane Duursma. The Kangaroos rejected the first four offers from the Demons. The two parties have been some way apart so far but this should bring a deal much closer. In saying that, the 'Roos need to eke out every last drop of every deal at the moment as they try to compile a package to satisfy the Swans for Nick Blakey. Watch this space.

Collingwood are aggressively shopping Dan Houston around according to Josh Jenkins on Trade Radio, with St Kilda the leading candidate showing interest but offers will also be made to Melbourne, Carlton, Adelaide and Sydney. A Collingwood spokesperson has denounced this stating “Dan Houston has not come up in any trade discussions" but former Carlton coach Michael Voss has said the interest from Houston to leave is real and that St Kilda should be coming forward with a good offer.

Jack Viney to West Coast? Still waiting on his final decision but all parties seem confident that this trade will get done. Trent Rivers to West Coast? Will depend on what West Coast are willing to offer, Melbourne are happy to keep him if there isn't a strong offer and Trent would be happy to stay. Almost certain to leave next year when he enters free agency. Melbourne would ideally love to trade Rivers for pick 23 from West Coast if that would help bring in someone else who could bring immediate value to the Dees or they could take that pick to the draft, Melbourne is a club which really back in their team to get great results on draft night.

Currently Essendon are leading the race for Coleman with plans to meet with him either today or tomorrow. As it stands, the Bombers hold picks 1, 17, 21, 27 and 80, but whether or not either of those picks in the 20s would entice the Lions enough remains to be seen. Brisbane are currently asking for a pick in the top 20. The Western Bulldogs made another late play for Keidean Coleman and were willing to offer up future picks for the defender, but have been priced out by Brisbane's valuation. Melbourne also appear to be out of the race if Pick 23 coming from West Coast as part of a Viney-Rivers trade won't be enough.

The Bombers are also exploring their interest in premiership Cat Gryan Miers although his preference is still to stay at Geelong. Gryan Miers' manager Liam Pickering said pick 21 would probably satisfy Geelong but "the ball is in Essendon's hands" as they have to convince Miers to want to move. "At this stage I'd say it's unlikely" said Pickering. The other potential suitors Port Adelaide and Melbourne don't appear likely to make offers at this stage.

Western Bulldogs list boss Michael Regan has left the door ajar for a move for Laitham Vandermeer, although he said there had been no "firm enquiries" from rivals at this stage. There has been interest from Essendon, Melbourne and Port Adelaide but without any club moving negotiations forward he's likely to stay a Bulldog. Vandermeer has two years to run on his contract but only managed 2 senior games this year.

Rory Lobb will be staying at the Western Bulldogs in 2027, says the club's list boss, Michael Regan. It has been reported Lobb was open to exploring a move ahead of the final year of his contract, but Regan told AFL Trade Radio on Monday the 33-year-old would remain at the Kennel. There was early interest from St Kilda and possibly late interest from Melbourne but that can be put to bed now.

Geelong are now open to a trade for Sam De Koning. SDK played a pivotal defensive role in the Cats' 2022 premiership triumph, and has played a minimum of 19 matches up to this year. He was selected on 18 occasions in 2026 but was overlooked for the club's finals matches against Carlton and Fremantle. Previously being linked to St Kilda where his brother now plays, Geelong were adamant on not including his name in the deal for Rowan Marshall but discussions between Sam and Geelong over his role at the club have left the Cat now quite positive about a move. The acquisition of Jordan Ridley and Rowan Marshall via a trade last week has pushed De Koning further down the pecking order in defence and the ruck. Adelaide, Western Bulldogs, Melbourne and North Melbourne would also be options as they've been assessing key position options this trade period.

A name most aren't even going to recognise, Max Mapley, could be one on the radar for Tasmania. He played in the Tassie Devils Under-16s side and with Tasmania in the VFL Under 18 League, and last year was a member of the Clarence side coached by Grant Fagan, brother of former Lions coach Chris Fagan, which won the Southern Football League premiership. An athletic 200cm well-suited to the new ruck rules which have made jumping ruckmen a priority at AFL clubs, he has been a fixture this year in the Tasmanian Devils VFL side after playing in the expansion club’s first game in March. He averaged 12.0 possessions, 18.1 hit-outs and 3.3 clearances in seven games with the Devils in what unknowingly was an audition for the AFL Mid-Season Draft. He got picked up by Melbourne and they've been really impressed with his work at Casey already, you know they re-signed him but de-listed Kalani White so they really think he's a prospect with a future, you'd expect Tassie to come for him, talented local lad, so just a name to learn and remember for now.

Harry Barnett, any interest there? Pick 23 in the 2022 draft, considered the best ruck in his draft class, athletic guy, good on ground balls, suited to the new ruck rules. Just the 2 games in 4 years at West Coast, they have Cooper Duff-Tytler now so don't really need him, he's been de-listed. Melbourne, Richmond, Carlton, there's a few clubs that could be after a young ruck, seeing some movement in that space already, might be a guy who gets invited to trial for a spot during the SSP.

Should we go for it? Would know kingy pretty well, levers not getting any younger, tmacs retired.

Disco and Howes need some assistance down there.

Melbourne has tabled Pick 47 for Brisbane's Will McLachan as the two clubs begin negotiations over a trade. Melbourne had previously tabled that selection to North Melbourne for Zane Duursma, which was flatly rejected. Melbourne are also set to receive 46 in the megatrade. The Demons are also busy working on a Duursma deal, which is expected to get done before Wednesday's trade deadline. Melbourne's current offer is bundling together a 2027 F2 and 2028 F3 but a new deal should be forthcoming. Post-megatrade Melbourne gets picks 4, 12, 31, 46 and has given 6, 10, 87, 2027 F1, 2027 F3, 2028 F4.

Richmond is not keen on dealing with Collingwood for Jayden Short as they believe Craig McRae has been duplicitous in working behind the scenes to convince Short to make a move all year and to make Richmond accept a mediocre offer. Richmond say they will "not be bullied" by Collingwood and want the 'Pies to either pay up with a first round pick or else they'll go and do the deal with another club, possibly bringing Melbourne back in to the discussion according to Tom Morris.

The Eagles believe they can help Viney get back to his contested ball-winning best in the engine room, while also helping nurture the club's promising youth including Harley Reid and Willem Duursma. West Coast Eagles list manager Matt Clarke said "We think we can help get him back to his best footy. He obviously missed a lot of footy from an AFL point of view this season just gone, but prior to that he was a pretty durable guy and played a lot of great footy through the middle of the ground". While Clarke believes the club will have an answer on Viney "sooner rather than later", it appears unlikely that Viney and his younger Demons teammate Trent Rivers will be involved in the same trade deal. "It's obviously got to suit them, Trent's a contracted player. If it doesn't suit them and it doesn't suit us on a number of different fronts, it won't happen. We're working through that".

Brisbane and St Kilda have worked out a deal for Sam Marshall with St Kilda relenting and putting a 2027 F1 on the table.

St Kilda and Melbourne are keeping an eye on Nik Cox as a train-on option as Essendon are yet to grant him a contract extension for next year. Cox returned from his concussion issues for this season and played eight senior games, largely as a forward. He also performed well at VFL level as the Bombers made the preliminary final, with the versatile tall playing as a key marking option in attack. Pick 8 in the 2020 national draft, Cox has dealt with concussion issues and instability finding a preferred role at Essendon. Both clubs keeping tabs are interested in what Cox can provide up forward.

One to watch late is Harry Himmelberg to Melbourne, who are just feeling out what GWS would feel is good value for the key defender as they're open to offers there and Melbourne have added some picks in this period plus they will get something for Jack Viney and then maybe Trent Rivers as well. Harry and GWS had a real pointed exit interview meeting and with Toby Greene out, Whitfield going, they're just trying to clear some older players who are worth something and hit this draft before Tasmania comes in. Himmelberg has been linked with Melbourne before and I think King has said he wants someone with experience to come in, fill that gap left by Tom McDonald and Steven May, I know Ben McKay is on offer but I don't think they're going there, I think Himmelberg is the one that makes sense.

24 year old key defender Charlie Dean is eyeing an AFL revival after a brilliant season in the WAFL. Dean played 12 games over 4 seasons for Collingwood but missed significant time due to ongoing injuries which now seem to be behind him. Dean has kept himself extremely fit, training with his AFL-listed roomate Fin Macrae and staying optimistic about a second chance with another club. Adelaide, Western Bulldogs, North Melbourne, Melbourne and Essendon are all in the market for depth, with former Richmond defender Jacob Blight (Subiaco) and North Melbourne forward-turned-defender Tyler Sellers (Essendon VFL) also in discussions.