NORTH Melbourne has zeroed in on NT Thunder livewire Adam Tipungwuti as it attempts to address its need for a pressure small forward.
AFL.com.au understands the 22-year-old will meet with the Roos next week ahead of the NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft on May 27.
The cousin of Essendon's Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Adam will jet into Melbourne as one of 22 players invited to undergo a medical screening ahead of the draft.
MID-SEASON ROOKIE DRAFT Who's having medicals at which club?
Tipungwuti has impressed with his mix of speed and class in his five NEAFL matches this season after playing the bulk of 2018 at a lower level.
Adam Tipungwuti's first goal in @NTThunderFC colours was "absolutely divine"!#NEAFL | @AFLNT pic.twitter.com/UL13RFSS6q
— NEAFL (@neaflofficial) April 28, 2019
He tested at the Rookie Me Draft Combine last year after playing just two matches for Sydney's NEAFL outfit, having been plucked from the AFL Sydney competition last year.
Despite interest from a number of clubs including Greater Western Sydney and West Coast, the 175cm forward went undrafted for a fifth consecutive season.
Tipungwuti has returned to the NT and spends much of his time living on the Tiwi Islands doing individual sessions before linking up with teammates closer to matches.
Adam Tipungwuti could find himself on an AFL list later this month. Picture: Felicity Elliott/AFLNT Media
A number of AFL recruiters believe the opportunity for Tipungwuti to transition into a full-time football environment would elevate his game to the next level.
The Roos are currently ranked 18th in the competition for tackles inside 50 with 7.6 per match, having used a host of different small forward options this year.
Cameron Zurhaar, Jy Simpkin, Kayne Turner, Taylor Garner, Nathan Hrovat and Curtis Taylor have all played in attack this season as the Roos search for the right mix to partner their key forwards.
INDICATIVE ORDER Mid-Season Rookie Draft picks after round eight
After round eight, the Roos hold the second pick in the Mid-Season Rookie Draft behind Carlton as it stands.
Both clubs have flagged an interest in 23-year-old Coburg small forward Sam Lowson but the Roos may be forced to look elsewhere if he's selected by the Blues at No.1.
The Roos' selection in the Mid-Season Rookie Draft was opened up by a season-ending ACL injury to defender Ed Vickers-Willis.
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