Round one - Pick 1
Jason Horne-Francis: South Adelaide
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The 185cm South Australian arrives at Arden St as the North Melbourne Kangaroos’ first ever No.1 NAB AFL Draft pick. A powerful midfielder/forward, Horne-Francis drew comparisons to Nat Fyfe and Patrick Dangerfield in the build-up to the draft, before cementing his status as the year’s top pick with a match-winning display in the SANFL preliminary final. "He gives us plenty of flexibility with his inside/outside balance, power, speed, aerial competency, ground level work and scoreboard impact," Kangaroos national recruiting manager Mark Finnigan said. "He has great character, work ethic and leadership. We look forward to Jason being a Shinboner for a long time to come."
Round two - Pick 22
Josh Goater: Calder Cannons, Sunbury FC
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At 190cm, the spring-heeled Goater adds height and versatility to a Kangaroos midfield already stacked with developing talent. A midfielder who uses his speed and agility to win and use the ball efficiently in a range of roles both inside and outside, Goater can also play in defence. The 18-year-old's vision, decision-making and execution by hand and foot stood out in his seven matches in this year's NAB League, averaging 24 disposals at 85 per cent efficiency with four clearances for the Cannons.
Round two - Pick 35
Paul Curtis: Western Jets, Keilor FC
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The mid-sized forward is a dangerous threat in-front of goal, averaging two goals per game in the 2021 NAB League season. "Paul showed significant improvement as the season went on, performing to a high level for the Western Jets and Vic Metro," North Melbourne National Recruiting Manager Mark Finnigan said. "He brings genuine X-factor to the front half which will complement what we already have in that area of the ground."
Round two - Pick 38
Miller Bergman: Dandenong Stingrays, Berwick FC
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The 188cm general defender has made a name for himself with his elite decision making and impressive ball use. His frame allows him to play multiple positions across the ground as he did this season for the Stingrays. "He's the boy you want to see with the footy in his hands, that’s how good his decision making and execution is," AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan says. Bergman averaged 17.7 disposals for the Stingrays this season at 79 per cent efficiency and was also a presence overhead, averaging 4.6 marks. "During games I just try and run as much as possible and be loud," Bergman says.
Round four - Pick 59
Jackson Archer: Northern Knights, Park Orchards
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A medium-sized defender, Archer joins the Roos as a father-son prospect. Club legend Glenn Archer played 311 games for the Kangaroos, including the 1996 and ‘99 premierships. Although a lankier build to his father at 187cm and 70kg, Jackson is quickly forging his own reputation for his courageous, hard-nosed style of play. "He is one of the most competitive and courageous players in this year's draft," Kangaroos national recruiting manager Mark Finnigan said. "He has a never-say-die attitude towards his footy which we can’t wait to see in North Melbourne colours."