We need players AND picks: North Melbourne’s plea for AFL help revealed after second spoon

North Melbourne has asked the AFL for a larger playing list as part of an assistance package that would also include priority draft picks, reports AFL Media.

The Kangaroos began meeting with the league to bid for help in July, days after they beat Richmond, and have since gone on to claim their second consecutive wooden spoon.

Previous reports have stated the Kangaroos are keen to land draft points over multiple seasons, meaning a number of lower picks, rather than a high selection such as Pick 1 (which was given to Gold Coast in 2019).

But they’re also keen to be given an increased rookie list, following in the footsteps of the Suns’ 2019 assistance package.

At that time Gold Coast was allowed to list up to 10 extra rookies, meaning extra chances at finding diamonds in the rough. Connor Budarick and Malcolm Rosas were among those added to their rookie list at that time.

North Melbourne is said to be seeking two extra spots on its list along with draft picks.

A decision is likely to be made in the week before the Grand Final giving them a couple of weeks to make calls ahead of the trade period.

 

The Kangaroos reportedly used the examples of Gold Coast in 2019, Carlton in 2018 and Brisbane in 2016 as a basis for their proposal.

The Suns’ 2019 assistance package included picks 1 and 20 in the 2019 draft, pick 11 in 2020 and pick 19 in 2021, plus pre-access to Academy prospects and an increased rookie list.

The Blues, off eight wins in two seasons and five years without finals footy, were allowed to pre-list two state league players.

The Lions were given pick 19 in the 2016 draft following 14 wins across three seasons.

North Melbourne has won six games with a draw over the last two seasons, plus three wins in the shortened 2020 campaign.