North Melbourne are in line to miss the first round of the draft, which would be the first time since the 2019 count that they won't occupy a placement in the opening bracket of selections.
A trade that saw them secure a late 2024 first-round pick and an early 2025 second-round pick for Richmond for their 2025 opening selection - Pick 4 - has come with its criticism.
But the Roos managed to secure Matt Whitlock to round out last year's opening night of the draft, a prospect who would be highly rated among this year's pool of prospects.
With two early night two selections and a pair of later picks, here's how North Melbourne's draft plans might take shape in 2025.
Draft Hand
Picks: 25, 26, 46, 57 (1285 Points)
While North Melbourne don't have a first-round pick for 2025, they do still sit in a good position for this year's draft, having attained Richmond's second-round selection.
Assuming Gold Coast rely on Pick 24 to match bids for their Academy prospects, the Roos are in line to hold the first two picks of night two, which opens the door for lucrative rival offers as clubs will be keen to get to the front of the queue for a prospect overlooked in the first round.
There may also be consideration from North Melbourne to package their two early second round selections for a first-round pick, with clubs that need to strengthen their points total among the most likely suitors.
List Needs
Outside Polish: The Roos have heavily leaned towards midfielders at the top of the draft over the past half-decade and change, adding Luke Davies-Uniacke, Tom Powell, Colby McKercher, Harry Sheezel, George Wardlaw and Finn O'Sullivan, as well as the departed Tarryn Thomas, Jason Horne-Francis and Will Phillips. With McKercher and Sheezel set to join 'LDU' as centrepieces after developing across half-back, there's scope for North Melbourne to look toward some extra outside midfield options who can complement their engine room.
Front-Half Speed: Arden Street has continued to lack that lively ground level threat in the front half, with bigger-sized forwards Paul Curtis and Cameron Zurhaar often relied on to do the heavy lifting once the ball hits the deck. A pure threatening small forward who can crumb those two, as well as Nick Larkey, is a list void that could be filled this draft window. Small forwards are in vogue, and the 2025 class is home to a handful of prospects who can add some pace to a club's attacking tandem.
Key Position Boost: After years of tinkering with their talls, North Melbourne are close to fitting all of their puzzle pieces together. Wil Dawson, Taylor Goad and Matt Whitlock are all versatile key position players who will eventually be first team assets, but there's a case for another out-and-out tall forward or defender to be looked at this draft. Versatility is key, but the Roos have also found trouble with some of their swingman options over the years, leaving a dual position player without a clear best role.
Potential Targets
Harley Barker: The wingman sits in first-round calculations less than a fortnight out from the draft, but Barker could slip through to night two of the count. The Double Blues outside ball winner is a damaging asset who can work well with his inside midfielders to be an outlet option or one who uses his work rate to create space on transition. Will miss the start of his AFL career due to an ACL injury, but he'll have an impact once back on the field.
| 21 RANK |  | Harley Barker Sturt Midfielder HEIGHT: 187cm | ▶+ |
Zane Peucker: A zippy small forward from South Australia, Peucker was a consistent threat in the Croweaters' undefeated U18s National Championships title run. Peucker kicked a goal in all four wins, including a pair against Vic Metro to feature among his side's best performers. On top of his speed, Peucker boasts a clean kick and the smarts required to be a tricky opponent for defenders. He's a name that could feature late into the draft, where the Roos could pounce.
Blake Thredgold: The third South Australan from three targets we've listed for North Melbourne, with Thredgold joining Barker as a potential early second-round selection. As mentioned, however, the Roos could move up the queue for a particular prospect late into the first round, and Thredgold could be their man. The Sturt key defender looks to be the best player in his position in the open pool, with his combination of being both an intercepting ace and a lockdown option tantalising for AFL clubs to consider.
| 20 RANK |  | Blake Thredgold Sturt Defender HEIGHT: 194cm | ▶+ |
