‘Appears to Be a Trainwreck’: Why the Faltering North Melbourne Might Already Regret Their ‘Unusual’ Draft Choice

Matthew Lloyd has suggested that North Melbourne is already lamenting their audacious decision to trade away their future first-round draft pick to Richmond during last year’s national draft.

In a surprising move, the club relinquished what would now stand as the third pick in the 2025 draft in exchange for pick 27, allowing them to select Matt Whitlock.

Though the key defender is just commencing his AFL career, Lloyd contends that North’s stagnation has positioned them uncomfortably.

“Some may argue they were being innovative last year, but in my view, it’s one of the most perplexing trades I’ve ever witnessed,” Lloyd stated on Nine’s Footy Classified.

“They traded for Richmond’s pick at 27, sacrificing a future first-rounder in the process.

“I wish him a successful career at North Melbourne, especially since he was overlooked 26 times by other clubs. However, they have potentially given up what could be a top-three pick next year.”

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Sam McClure was just as forthright in his critique of the decision.

“It may appear to be a brilliant move if they are indeed progressing as they claimed, suggesting that the wheel is turning and they’re playing better football,” McClure commented.

“At this point, however, it looks far from genius; it appears to be a disaster.”

North Melbourne faced a crushing defeat against Carlton on Good Friday, suffering a loss by 82 points, following a 52-point defeat to Gold Coast the previous week.

Next, they travel to South Australia to take on Port Adelaide before contending with Essendon in round eight.