MELBOURNE was hoping injury-hit forward Mitch Georgiades would slip through to its third pick during the NAB AFL Draft and also considered tried to trade up to select sliding midfielder Deven Robertson.

In AFL.com.au's exclusive access to the Demons' recruiting room from last month's draft, vision of the opening night shows the club secure its two targets Luke Jackson (pick No.3) and Kysaiah Pickett (No.12).

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Copy link Link copied to clipboard Exclusive access: Inside Dees' draft room for early hits, key forward miss AFL Media goes inside the Melbourne draft room as they make two first round picks and look to move up the order for slider

But the Demons' attention then shifted to their third pick, which started the draft at No.28 but was pushed back through father-son and Academy bids for other prospects.

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"I don't think Georgiades gets past 24 (Geelong's pick) but if 24 goes [who knows]?" recruiting manager Jason Taylor said before the draft began.

Tall forward Mitch Georgiades in action at the NAB AFL Draft Combine. Picture: AFL Photos

As the draft unfolded, the Demons continued to monitor scenarios whereby the West Australian could be available for them.



"Depending on Geelong's mix, they might let Georgiades through, like Cooper Stephens (the Cats' first pick) really only played three or four games for the year and broke his leg," Taylor said.

"Sydney has been rumoured to take [Sam] Philp, we could get Georgiades I reckon."

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Footage shows the Demons' recruiters disappointed when Port Adelaide surprised and snapped up Georgiades at pick No.18.

But they moved on quickly, with the inner sanctum vision revealing Taylor and list manager Tim Lamb discussing possible moves up the draft board to snare Robertson, who dropped further down the order than expected.

Deven Robertson was a surprise draft slider on the opening night of the draft. Picture: AFL Photos

The Demons contacted Carlton and Richmond to see if the clubs were interested in swapping selections so they could move up to take Robertson.

Coach Simon Goodwin, who was in the draft room at Marvel Stadium throughout the event, described Robertson's slide as "incredible".

Find Road to the Draft on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.