Melbourne chose to stack their list with precocious midfield talent in the national draft, using their two first-round picks on Vic Country left-footers Harvey Langford and Xavier Lindsay, while the midfield-starved St Kilda took a different path in selecting exciting, hard running defenders Tobie Travaglia and Alix Tauru.

That was the tale of dual first-round picks for two clubs who believe they can contend if everything goes right in 2025.

Former Melbourne star Nathan Jones presented Xavier Lindsay with his jumper after he was selected at pick No.11.Credit: AFL Photos

The Demons’ decision future proofs the club after they lost premiership utility Angus Brayshaw to concussion-related retirement and endured a turbulent back half of the year as uncertainty surrounded the future of midfield stars Clayton Oliver and Christian Petracca.

The Saints’ decisions showed their belief that run is king as they chose players well-suited to their transition game, rather than looking to fill a need after their inability to win clearance battles was an issue throughout 2024.

Melbourne’s Langford, from the Mornington Peninsula, has similar traits to Petracca as he is as adept marking forward of centre as he is playing through the midfield. He was taken at pick No.6 after Melbourne placed a bid on Lions-bound midfielder Levi Ashcroft.

The Inverloch-raised Lindsay,........

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