North Melbourne's former Pick 4 in the national draft, Zane Duursma, has requested a trade to Melbourne after three seasons at AFL level.
The 21-year-old mid-sized forward no doubt has mercurial abilities, but he is yet to dominate an AFL game or show any consistency at the grade.
This means placing a price on Duursma, who originally cost the Roos a lot at the draft - Hawthorn star Nick Watson went the pick after him - is hard to figure out.
North Melbourne won't want to lose out on the deal, and given Duursma is not a free agent, Melbourne will have to trade for him. The Demons can't walk him through the draft either, as the Kangaroos finished lower than them on the ladder, allowing the Roos first dibs.
The AFL trade period begins in a month, meaning the Roos and Dees have four weeks to plan out what they want to secure in the deal. Here are three ways we think the deal for Duursma to become a Demon can get done:
Pick-for-player swap
Melbourne trade: 2027 first-round pick
North Melbourne trade: Zane Duursma
Given Duursma has only kicked 28 goals from 38 games across his first three years and only averaged 6.6 disposals and one goal an outing in 2026, a first-round pick at first glance seems steep.
However, as previously stated, Duursma's physical abilities, goal nous and contested marking are clear. And perhaps in a new system, especially under Steven King, Duursma could be supported to become his best self.
It's a straight swap, a future first for Duursma. But remember the 2027 draft will be severely impacted by Tasmania's entry into the league in terms of picks and pre-listed draftees.
If Melbourne was to continue its upward trajectory next season and finish higher up the ladder, the Demons' first-round pick could slide out to the late 20s, early 30s.
Would Pick 28-30 be fair for Duursma?
