AFL 2022: Future draft picks, extra rookie spots form AFL assistance package for North Melbourne

The result of North Melbourne’s lobbying for help from the AFL has been revealed, with an assistance package designed to help the Roos climb off the bottom.

New North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson, right with president Sonja Hood, now has more draft picks to lure players. Picture: Getty Images

North Melbourne will be armed with two future draft picks as part of an AFL assistance package to bolster its rebuild – but must trade them this year for at least one player.

The league gifted the Kangaroos, who have finished on the bottom the past two seasons, 2023 second-round and third-round selections, as well as letting them have two additional rookie-list spots next year.

North’s assistance package was confirmed in Monday’s AFL commission and club presidents’ meeting.

The extra draft picks, which will be placed after the Roos’ existing selections next year, will be forfeited if they are not traded this year.

The AFL’s package was designed to not further disrupt the integrity of the draft while still being helpful enough to fast-track North Melbourne’s ascent.

Fremantle swingman Griffin Logue has already requested a trade to the Roos, while News Corp revealed last week that Darcy Tucker was set to undergo a medical with them on his surgically repaired right knee.

Fremantle’s Griffin Logue wants to play for North Melbourne next season. Picture: Getty Images

Tucker sustained a torn meniscus in a WAFL match at the start of September and the Dockers indicated they were willing to trade the 108-gamer for the right price.

The 25-year-old fits the age demographic North is targeting and would provide more midfield depth but he is considering interest from Essendon and other clubs.

Saint Hunter Clark is also in the Kangaroos’ sights after a frustrating run with injury in recent seasons that has him weighing up whether a fresh start is best for him.

New North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson has spoken with wantaway Giant Tanner Bruhn, who is leaning towards joining Geelong, and St Kilda’s Bradley Hill as well.

Hill played in Hawthorn’s flag-peat from 2013-15 at Hawthorn under Clarkson but is contracted for three more seasons on a lucrative deal.

Outgoing Kangaroos chief executive Ben Amarfio said the club now had greater clarity as it prepared for this year’s trade period.

Darcy Tucker could join fellow Docker Griffin Logue in requesting a trade to North Melbourne. Picture: Getty Images

“We thank the AFL for considering our submission,” Amarfio said.

“We feel like we had a strong case for some on-field assistance based on our recent performances.

“We’re one of very few clubs to have never received priority selections. This will now give us some real flexibility as we look to add some experience to our young and talented list.

“James Gallagher and Brady Rawlings have worked hard to get this package across the line and we can now look ahead to the upcoming trade period with certainty.”

North Melbourne holds the No.1 pick in the draft for the second straight year but otherwise has only two fourth-round selections in the 50s.

The Roos are willing to ‘split’ the top pick if an opposition club is keen to rise in the draft order.