By Adelaide not accepting North Melbourne's deal for Nick Murray, the Kangaroos have retained a much stronger draft hand than they otherwise would have.
List boss Brady Rawlings admitted that he was targeted because the club needs more defensive cover, with that being the area of the ground that held them back during an improved 2026.
The Kangaroos will also have priority access to Aidan McCartney as a father-son after he nominated Arden St, where he has spent time training, despite also being part of Sydney's Academy.
Draft hand: 33, 49, 66, 74
North Melbourne enters the draft quite late in 2026 and should target players that best suit their list, rather than being beholden to taking the best available and making it work with the talent at their disposal as they have in previous years.
If they can get a late diamond in this draft, it would add a layer of confidence as they look to finally bounce in 2027.
Exactly how the Roos approach this draft under new coach Jaymie Graham could also give a hint about the types of players he likes and where he views their list.
List needs
Key defender: The Kangaroos used Pick 26 on defender Blake Thredgold last year, and he shapes as a key piece of their future, despite a year on the sidelines in 2026. But after years of targeting midfield types, they still need more defensive reinforcement, which was evident through a 2026 campaign where they were regularly monstered by the best spearhead forwards in the competition. It's a good draft to need a tall back with plenty around at all stages of the draft.
Third tall defender: There are a handful of different types of third talls available in this year's draft which the Kangaroos could look to – but ensuring whoever they do get has a defend-first mindset is critical.
Small forward: Getting another small forward is a long way behind defence in terms of priorities, but it is one of the most important positions in the game and the Roos could do with some reinforcement in that area of the ground.
Potential targets
Billy Wigmore: North Melbourne has been linked to Wigmore, who would offer the key defensive cover the club is after, but he is undersized. At 189cm, he is more of a third tall, but his intercept marking strength and competitiveness give him the capacity to play on opponents taller than him. After a strong national championships, he is projected to go on the edge of the top 30, which is right around the range for the Kangaroos' first selection.
Jake Soutar: Like Wigmore, Soutar is just short of key position height at 192cm, but also plays taller with his ability to float across and intercept. The other thing Soutar has going for him is he's played senior footy, winning East Perth's best and fairest this year as a 20-year-old. His range is a touch wider than Wigmore's, so it's hard to know at this stage whether he will still be on the board by the time the Roos enter the draft, but if he is, he would suit a club which is probably looking for someone readymade.
Darcy Szerszyn: One who could drift in the draft, the Roos got a look at Szerszyn when he played a VFL game for them earlier this year, and he offers a lot of upside. Has great athleticism and takes the game on and is also naturally combative – despite only showing that spasmodically this year. Has missed each of the last two pre-seasons with injury, so that adds to his upside.
Wil Antrobus: Would be a nice addition if he falls to their second selection as a rebounding defender with one of the most potent left foots in the draft. Positively, though, alongside his ability to counterattack, he is also brave in putting his head over the footy, wins his one-on-ones and has grown his fitness through a 2026 of steady improvement.
Aidan McCartney: McCartney has not played this year due to injury, but is a strong marking third tall forward type who put together a promising bottom-aged season. Was named in the AFL Academy and will likely fetch a bid in the 40s or 50s, meaning the Roos will be able to just use their next selection to match a bid rather than needing to find points.
