AFL rejects Melbourne’s request for a priority draft pick

UPDATE: THE AFL has ruled that Melbourne’s abysmal on-field record does not qualify the club for a priority pick.

AFL- Melbourne v GWS at MCG, Melbourne. Nathan. Jones leads the team off after the loss. 17th August 2014. Picture: Colleen Petch.

THE AFL has ruled that Melbourne’s abysmal on-field record does not qualify the club for a priority pick.

The rebuilding Demons believed they had presented a strong case for special assistance, but failed to convince league chiefs.

JON RALPH: WHY DEES DESERVED A PRIORITY PICK

YEAR IN REVIEW: MELBOURNE 2014 REPORT CARD

“At its meeting in Melbourne (on Monday), the AFL Commission accepted a recommendation from AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon that no priority picks be awarded,” the league said in a statement.

“The AFL concluded that while Melbourne has a poor on-field record in recent times, this does not of itself constitute ‘exceptional circumstances’ or a justification for awarding priority draft selections.”

Rival clubs were strongly opposed to Melbourne’s application, which could have seen it snare picks 2, 3 and 4 in November’s national draft. The Dees already have pick 2 and are expected to secure selection 3 as compensation if defender James Frawley departs as a free agent.

The expected loss of big man Mitch Clark was also used by the Demons as part of their pitch to the AFL.

Melbourne has won just 38 games in the past eight seasons, including four this season, doubling its tally from last year.

James Frawley is expected to leave the Demons. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

In making the decision, the AFL Commission noted that Melbourne had:

BEATEN two finals team this year in Richmond and Essendon.

A HIGH level of emerging talent, including Jesse Hogan, Jimmy Toumpas, Jack Viney, Jay Kennedy-Harris, Christian Salem and Dom Tyson.

THE option of trading Clark and receiving a compensation pick for Frawley.

IMPROVED its coaching ranks with the appointments of Paul Roos and Simon Goodwin.

Former Demons star David Schwarz said Melbourne’s priority pick application had been “rightfully” rejected.

“You’ve got to learn from your mistakes and can’t expect handouts,” Schwarz told SEN radio.

“The priority pick should be there for extreme circumstances — not for poor recruiting, not for poor management, not for running your club like a basket case.”

Priority picks can now only be granted at the discretion of the commission. Melbourne was punished heavily two years ago after an investigation into tanking during the 2009 season to gain early draft picks.

Originally published as AFL rejects Melbourne’s request for a priority draft pick