Where new Dee draftee sees himself fitting in and what he considers his greatest strength

Melbourne recruit Xavier Lindsay’s boyhood dream came true on Wednesday night as he was drafted to the Demons with pick 11 in the 2024 AFL Draft.

The midfielder gained the second most meters at the National Championships and scored himself the best and fairest of the Coates Talent League in 2024.

Privileged and determined to make his mark, Lindsay understood the magnitude of his achievements.

“My heart just dropped really, it’s every boy's dream to get on an AFL list,” Lindsay told SEN Sportsday.

“To hear my name read out was pretty special and to have some special people in the room there with me was even better as well.

“I’m just trying to soak it all in with friends and family.”

Lindsay gained the attention of AFL recruiters in 2024, and his stock increased due to his effective disposals and excellent ball use.

His experience playing in a variety of positions has allowed for a high degree of footballing intelligence whilst also being versatile to whatever the Demons may throw Lindsay’s way in his rookie season.

Lindsay doesn’t see himself playing as an inside midfielder yet, but his aspirations are large as he attempts to break into a strong midfield unit.

“For me, it’s probably more of an outside mid on the wing or half-back and then as obviously years progress and my body develops grow into a midfielder. But I think for starters it’s probably on that outside or half-back,” Lindsay said.

“Yeah, that’s (kicking) probably the best part of my game then also reading the play and my decision making. They’d probably be my three that go in hand together.

“I think it’s just building my midfield game. Being willing to play more midfield and take more body contact and then it just grew my game.

“Being the main onballer, it gives you power and it definitely helped me and held me in good stead and just rounded out my overall performance.

“I think just being able to play different positions really helped me along the way.”

Lindsay was the second of Melbourne’s first-round selections alongside Harvey Langford as they look to rebuild under scrutiny in the 2024 AFL season.