Demons and Dogs set to offer trio lifelines – AFL News

Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs will become the latest teams to take advantage of a selection loophole, with both clubs jointly removing Jake Melksham, Taylor Duryea and Lachlan McNeil from the roster on Tuesday.

However, each member of the aforementioned trifecta will earn lifelines at their respective clubs, with the Demons and Dogs indicating that Melksham, Duryea and McNeil would be redeployed as rookies in November’s rookie draft.

Melksham, 32, has spent seven seasons as a Demon after swapping Tullamarine for life in red and blue at the end of 2015.

Although the forward has spent the entire term on Melbourne’s senior list, the former Don will call the rookie list home from next month as he rehabilitates from an ACL injury sustained during the final round of the recent home-and-away season.

At the Whitten Oval, both Duryea and McNeil received similar news, with the dual premiership Hawk and the former rookie being contractually placed in limbo until the start of next month’s secondary selection period.

The combined calls come after Duryea and McNeil made 33 appearances together for Luke Beveridge’s senior side during the 2023 season.

The 2023 AFL Rookie Draft will take place on November 22, immediately following the two-night National Draft held at Marvel Stadium from November 20 to 21.