North Melbourne will receive three extra end-of-first round draft selections spread over two years as part of an assistance package determined by the AFL Commission on Monday.
The League confirmed North Melbourne will receive the following:
- One end-of-first round selection in the 2023 AFL Draft (currently pick 19)
- Two end-of-first round selections in the 2024 AFL Draft (currently picks 19 and 20)
- The continuation of the club’s ability to have two additional rookie list spots in season 2024
The AFL reserves the right to review the 2024 draft selections at the end of next season, however the club will be able to use the picks in trades this year.
North Melbourne now holds three first-round selections – picks 2, 14 and 19 – and three 2024 first-round selections ahead of this year’s free agency, trade and draft period.
North Melbourne CEO Jennifer Watt welcomed the package, and thanked the AFL for considering the club's submission.
"We've worked closely with the AFL over the past few weeks to build out an assistance package," Watt said.
"We put a strong case forward given our recent results and the steps we’ve taken to improve on and off the field, and we especially thank Andrew Dillon, Laura Kane and Ned Guy for listening to us.
"We're looking at every way to improve our list – whether that's bringing in more high-end draft talent or players with proven AFL experience.
"These selections will give the club flexibility to achieve those aims at the trade and draft table this year and next."
