Melbourne's recruiting team during the NAB AFL Draft

MELBOURNE feared Brisbane was going to trade up the board and swoop on Trent Rivers, who the Demons had pigeonholed for their third pick of the NAB AFL Draft.

In AFL.com.au's exclusive vision from inside Melbourne's recruiting room throughout the national draft, footage reveals the Demons' confidence that the West Australian half-back would get through to their pick on the second night of the event.

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Before the start of the second night, recruiting manager Jason Taylor discusses where the club's top-10 picks Luke Jackson and Kysaiah Pickett will be staying in their initial period with the Dees.

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"Rivers will be with … who's he with?" Taylor said, which brought a laugh within the Demons' ranks. 

As the draft unfolds, the Demons continue to hope Rivers will slide through to their selection, but also canvas other clubs about the chances of pick swaps to move up the order to ensure they get their man.

WA's Trent Rivers. Picture: Getty Images

After Gold Coast's selects Jeremy Sharp ahead of Rivers with pick 27, the Demons' confidence is boosted. "We're gonna get the 'Riv'," said Taylor. 

But a possible trade between North Melbourne and Brisbane sees their plans in jeopardy. Taylor believes the Lions, who were also fans of Rivers, were trying to complete a swap with the Roos to jump into pick No.31 and select the All Australian before the Demons' pick 32.

"You're kidding, aren't you?" Taylor said in disbelief. 

He'll go if Brisbane get in (to pick No.31). Talk about 'pipped at the post'"

- Jason Taylor

But their fears are allayed when the Roos hold their pick and select ruck/forward Charlie Comben and Melbourne pounced on the attacking defender.

The footage also reveals Taylor's phone call to Rivers as soon as the selection is confirmed, and why he believes the 18-year-old is a perfect fit for the MCG.