Despite finishing 16th in 2025, North Melbourne don't have a first-round pick in this year's national draft.
For a club which has finished in the bottom three for the past six years, it's hardly a strong position to be in heading into another important off-season.
So, how did they get here?
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North Melbourne traded away 2025 first-round pick
Towards the end of relatively pedestrian opening night of the 2024 draft, the Roos shook things up a bit, making a play for versatile Murray Bushrangers tall Matt Whitlock.
Having used their first-round pick on Finn O'Sullivan at number two, North did a deal with Richmond at pick 27, trading away their 2025 first-rounder in order to grab Whitlock.
Coming back the other way, the Kangas got the Tigers' 2025 second-round selection.
It was always going to be a big play from North.
For starters, they would have been hoping for a surge up the ladder in 2025, and while they did climb slightly from 17th, their decision now means the first four selections in the draft will be: West Coast, West Coast (Oscar Allen compensation), Richmond, Richmond (tied to North Melbourne).
Unless they make a trade before November 19, the Kangaroos first pick in this year's isn't until 25, which is likely to drop further when bids are matched on academy and father-son selections.
That being said, it could yet prove a master stroke.
The jury is still out on Whitlock - he played two senior games this year, being subbed out in his debut and starting in the vest in the other, for a total of 12 touches and a goal.
Matt Whitlock kicks his first AFL goal 💙🤍#AFLNorthTigers pic.twitter.com/uJEhiPxO67
— AFL (@AFL) August 17, 2025
In trading away their first pick this year, North's list managers were also likely working on the belief that this year's draft isn't a strong one.
Again, it's too early to make a call either way there.
Regardless, the Roos are living dangerously, with free agent Charlie Spargo their only addition prior to the draft this off-season.