North Melbourne
3. Colby McKercher (pick 2)
4. Daniel Curtin (pick 8)
20. Mitch Edwards (pick 32)
22. Arie Schoenmaker (pick 62)
23. Riley Hardeman (pick 23)
49. Logan Morris (pick 31)
63. Bodie Ryan (pick 46)
Slightly different strategy to North, I've invested heavily in Curtin as I believe that talls must always get top priority with these premium picks. My ruck choice also different to North but Edwards stands a very good chance to edge out Goad when the dust settles, they may well both go onto have stellar careers, that I would like to see because the past decade has been ordinary for rucks in general, I think with the exception of English and Darcy it's been a generational void, that's why it's always good to strike while the iron is hot.
Logan Morris is also a nice counterweight for the absence of Duursma and gives this haul a potential edge if he becomes a viable 40 goal forward. I think at worst you could play him as a utility type, perhaps in defence, he's demonstrated enough mobility for mine and I like his chances.
Schoenmaker marked hard by the scribes, I see huge potential but one must be patient, contested game a work in progress but he's big enough so I expect some inroads as early as next year. I'm sizing up Wanganeen-Milera's growth rate & I'm reasonably confident a contested game can be developed. He's had some stints in the ruck so he's not afraid to get his hands dirty. Discipline issues slightly concerning but I think he's acquitted himself well when dealing with the media, I also feel he would have grown immensely as a result of the experience.
Collingwood
24. Ashton Moir (29)
36. Joel Freijah (45)
61. Vigo Visentini (rookie 8)
The Magpies have opted for athletes over footballers, could work, they have an excellent record with diamonds in the rough. I've gone in with a strict bar with the kicking skills, De Mattia just a little bit too ragged by foot, I'm not exactly sure where he plays at AFL level but I also concede there's some upside given he's new to the sport. Some guys are quick learners but kicking at full tilt is the hardest skill to master, this will be an interesting watch and could go either way.
Collingwood also opted for Tew Jiath over Freijah, positionally I think this is an oversight, I see Jiath on a back flank & I reckon the premiers are well stocked in that area. Jiath has good agility so perhaps some scope to play forward, overall a fairly composed player with good awareness, I can see the appeal.