Melbourne Engages in Active Talks to Move Up Draft Board in AFL 2023
Melbourne Football Club is actively pursuing discussions with several clubs in an effort to secure a higher position on the draft board for the upcoming AFL 2023 season. The Demons currently possess a strong draft hand, including Fremantle’s Pick 4 acquired through the Luke Jackson trade, as well as their own first-round pick at No. 17.
According to sources, the Demons have engaged in talks with various teams to potentially trade up from their No. 4 selection. However, they are also open to swapping their later picks if it proves beneficial to their strategy. This approach mirrors Melbourne’s attempt last year when they offered two future first-rounders to Essendon in exchange for Pick 4, which the Bombers used to draft Elijah Tsatas.
One pick that is likely to attract attention is Gold Coast’s No. 5 selection, as a number of clubs are expected to target it to enable the Suns to bid on their academy players, including Jed Walter, Ethan Read, and Jake Rogers. Richmond has previously been linked to a potential move for this pick. However, teams are awaiting the finalization of the ladder at the end of the home and away season, as Gold Coast’s pick may still slide down depending on their final ranking.
Furthermore, West Coast’s No. 1 pick has also drawn interest from other clubs. Industry sources believe the Demons and Kangaroos are in the best position to strike a deal with the Eagles for this coveted selection.
In other news, young Brisbane Lions player Kai Lohmann remains uncontracted beyond 2023, attracting attention from rival clubs. Victorian sides, including Hawthorn, are closely monitoring the 20-year-old’s situation, while ongoing talks between his management and Brisbane are ongoing. The Western Bulldogs have also shown interest in Lohmann, particularly during the Josh Dunkley deal last year. However, given Brisbane’s reluctance to part ways with him during the Dunkley trade, it appears challenging for other clubs to entice him away from the Lions.
Lohmann, drafted with Pick 20 from the Greater Western Victoria Rebels in the 2021 draft, has faced limited opportunities in Brisbane’s stacked forward line this year. He has played five games, primarily in the second half of the season, often starting as the substitute or being subbed off. Brisbane’s recruiting manager, Steve Conole, expressed the club’s desire to retain Lohmann, emphasizing his potential and long-term future with the team.
As contract discussions continue, Conole remains optimistic about reaching a resolution. He believes that Lohmann’s management and the club are actively engaged in negotiations and anticipates a positive outcome that will see the promising forward remain at Brisbane.
Overall, with Melbourne actively exploring trade options to improve their draft position, and young player contracts being closely monitored by rival clubs, the AFL landscape is currently abuzz with negotiations and strategic maneuvering as teams prepare for the future. As the AFL 2023 season approaches, it will be fascinating to see how these talks unfold and whether any significant trades or draft moves materialize.
