Melbourne offer three first-round draft picks to West Coast in the race for Harley Reid

Melbourne has made a serious play for West Coast’s pick one, potentially leapfrogging the Kangaroos. So what have they offered to secure Harley Reid?

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – OCTOBER 09: Brady Rawlings, GM of Football of the Kangaroos speaks with media during the 2023 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period at Marvel Stadium on October 09, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Melbourne has offered three first-round selections including its prized pick six in a bid to pinch No. 1, and star underage prospect, Harley Reid from West Coast.

The Demons were prepared to give up pick six, 11, 42 and their future first-round pick to the Eagles for pick one, sources have confirmed.

But West Coast did not accept the deal and remain on track to keep pick one, believing the Tongala product can become one of the best players in the competition in blue and yellow.

North has also offered picks 15, 17 and 18 for one, but the Eagles do not want multiple picks in the teens unless they accompany multiple single-figure picks as well.

Harley Reid is considered a once in a generation talent. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The last two times a club has taken three players in the teens GWS Giants in 2020 selected Tanner Bruhn (12), Conor Stone (15) and Ryan Angwin (18) and Collingwood in 2012 picked Brodie Grundy (18), Ben Kennedy (19) and Tim Broomhead (20).

Recruiters agree the talent drops off after pick 10 in this year’s draft.

North’s pick two and three would likely be enough to tempt West Coast to off-load pick one, but the Kangaroos are not interested in that deal.

It means the Kangaroos could take speedy ballwinner Colby McKercher and classy outside midfielder Zane Duursma with picks two and three.

AWest Coast wants to take Reid, the powerful goal kicking midfielder-forward at pick one, and could re-enter the mix for WA star Daniel Curtin live on draft night if he slips down the order on November 20.

The Eagles could trade their future first-round pick (from the 2024 draft) for Melbourne’s pick six if Western Australian gun swingman Curtin had not been picked in the first five.

There is a chance Curtin slips past Hawthorn (pick four) and Western Bulldogs (pick five).

West Coast may attempt to get back into the draft at pick 6 if local talent Daniel Curtin is still on the board. Picture: Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

The left-footed Curtin has been likened to Fremantle champion Matthew Pavlich for his versatility to play anywhere on the ground, classy disposal and aerial strength.

It means the Demons could trade pick six for a chance to own the first pick in next year’s draft if West Coast finishes in last spot for the second year in a row next season.

If successful, that deal would allow West Coast to welcome Reid and WA product Curtin in this year’s draft, after taking midfielders Rueben Ginbey and Elijah Hewett last season.

GWS Giants could also pass on Curtin at pick seven as Adam Kingsley’s men are well-stocked for defenders.

Melbourne secured pick six from Fremantle as part of the Luke Jackson trade last year.

The Demons have been linked to powerful forward Nate Caddy, from Northern Knights to add to their forward mix next year, in a bid to run deep into September.

Melbourne may only use two selections in this year’s draft.

Originally published as Melbourne offer three first-round draft picks to West Coast in the race for Harley Reid