MELBOURNE was not willing to flip first round selections and give up selection No.32 for new Hawthorn ruckman/forward and former Kangaroo David Hale, according to club list manager Tim Harrington.

Harrington explained that as negotiations progressed, North Melbourne and Melbourne couldn’t agree on the same deal.

“A first round selection was never going to be part of the equation for us,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“North Melbourne came back to us, requesting we flip the first round selection with them.

“This would’ve given them No.12 and we get their No.17 in return - something we didn’t contemplate - and give up No.32.”

Harrington said the club was very clear about what it was willing to commit to North Melbourne, but in the end, the Demons had to set some boundaries.

“We had parameters and once they were stretched, we wouldn’t push forward with the deal,” he said.

“We are very committed to the development of our own list and we have great faith in it.

“The team is already bonding strongly and our upcoming China trip will help bring them closer together for the future.”

For the record, Hawthorn gave up its first round compensation pick (gained following the departure of Campbell Brown to Gold Coast) and No.71 to North Melbourne in return for Hale and No.52.