North Melbourne was forced to use a first-round draft pick to secure father-son prospect Luke McDonald.

North Melbourne was forced to use a first-round draft pick to secure father-son prospect Luke McDonald. Photo: Pat Scala



Luke McDonald will play for North Melbourne next year, with the club using its No. 8 draft choice to secure the midfielder.


North was forced to devote its first-round pick to the 18-year-old son of Donald after West Coast bid for him with the No. 6 pick at the father-son bidding meeting.


Brisbane had also been prepared to bid for McDonald, who played for Werribee in the VFL this year and spent one day each week training at Arden Street.


The Lions instead secured Johnathan Freeman, a member of its Lions Academy, with its third-round pick, No. 59, after Adelaide bid pick 42 for the tall forward.


Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney and Greater Western Sydney all run state based academy programs and are allowed to nominate players under the same rules that apply to father-son picks. Freeman was this year's only nomination.


McDonald, whose father moved from a football department job into North's commercial team this year, said he was relieved and excited that his wait was over and that he was officially a North Melbourne player.


"I'm a little bit relieved but excited more than anything. It's good to have these colours on and I'm really excited about the future," he said.


"I'm a pretty easygoing person so I didn't think about it too much but there was still always that little person in the back of my head talking about it.


"Last night was a pretty long night but it's worked out how I hoped it would and I'm so glad it has."


Meanwhile, Carlton will lodge the paperwork on Monday to recruit high-profile free agent Dale Thomas from Collingwood.


The Blues have put a four-year offer to the 2011 All-Australian midfielder reportedly worth more than $2.5 million.


Thomas is a restricted free agent, meaning the Magpies have three days to match the offer.


But the fact that Thomas did not attend last Friday night's Collingwood best-and-fairest award reinforces the expectation that he will be reunited with his old coach Mick Malthouse.


''Obviously we've put a reasonable offer to Dale and we'll see what happens,'' Carlton football manager Andrew McKay said.


''It depends on Collingwood, whether they give us an indication today or over the next three days.''


with AAP