WITH the 2021 trade period done and dusted, it is now time for clubs and fans alike to turn their attention to the draft. Between now and draft day (November 24/25), clubs have had the opportunity to exchange picks with the final order formed just over a week out. While the chaos settles, Rookie Me Central takes a look at how each club may approach the upcoming intake with the hand they formed at the close of trade period.

Next under the microscope is GWS GIANTS, a club which holds the key to unlock the top 10, and could also get busy at the bidding table.

CURRENT PICKS: 2, 13, 53, 54, 70

2022 PICKS: GWS Round 1, GWS Round 2, GWS Round 3, GWS Round 4

NOMINATED ACADEMY PLAYERS:

Jack Driscoll, Josh Fahey*, Sam Frost, Josh Green, Harrison Grintell*, Fraser Kelly, Patrick Voss*

* – denotes draft combine invitee

LIST NEEDS:

+ Midfield speed and class
+ Key position players
+ Small forwards

FIRST PICK OPTIONS:
(Pick 2):

With what some may call the first ‘open’ pick in the draft, it’s seems highly likely that GWS will begin the bidding for this year’s intake, forcing the Western Bulldogs to match early on their father-son prospect Sam Darcy, arguably the most promising tall in the crop. A follow up bid for Oakleigh Chargers teammate Nick Daicos would also have to be considered following his dominant season when given the opportunity to play, and his class through the midfield which suits a need.

With those two tied to other clubs, the next best Victorian prospect in Finn Callaghan also hits that need of class through the midfield, with the 191cm Sandringham product possessing one of the best kicks in the draft and impressive movement to match. His ability to balance his inside and outside game would be an invaluable addition to an already stacked GIANTS midfield.

Callaghan is arguably the most sensible pick given his comparisons to AFL stars such as Marcus Bontempelli and Josh Kelly, with the added benefit of versatility to play in other roles another consideration when looking at him as an overall prospect.

The GIANTS have also been linked to Melbourne NGA prospect Mac Andrew, a uniquely athletic tall prospect who has impressed with his work mostly through the ruck, but has the tools to play a role up either end as well. Whilst the GIANTS do have a few rucks already, none come close to matching the athleticism and ground level work of Andrew. Another tall options around the mark is GWV’s Josh Gibcus, who has impressed with his leap in the defensive half, able to stay accountable for his opponents but also hurt opposition with his intercepting game. Gibcus could form a dangerous long term partnership with Sam Taylor if selected by GWS.

Mercurial Murray Bushrangers small forward Josh Rachele has also been linked to the GIANTS’ first selection, with his ability to play as a forward target and impact games in ways others can’t, similarly to Toby Greene, an attractive prospect for a side in need of some more smalls inside 50.

REMAINING CROP:

The GIANTS are one of a few teams with two first round selections. Currently holding pick 13, they’ve been linked to many players in the lead up to the draft, which isn’t surprising considering the perceived evenness of that range of players.

Could GWS pair long time friends and select Blake Howes along with Callaghan? A superb prospect in his own right, Howes is an athletic forward flanker with clean skills and plenty of versatility, and whilst not a small forward, has plenty of traits that would help thrive in the role. Sandringham teammate Josh Sinn may come under consideration if he’s available as an athletic defender with plenty of scope to move into the midfield. St Kilda NGA prospect Mitch Owens, also a Sandringham product, has been linked heavily to this selection, and would offer a big bodied inside midfield option in the long run, but has played across all thirds of the ground regularly this year.

With their need for forward half players, GWS may also look at Sam Butler from the GWV Rebels, a hard it player with the work rate and goal sense which would fit in well and compliment the flair of GWS’ existing forwards. West Australian Neil Erasmus could offer similar traits, although with a bigger frame, if he were to slide that far.

East Perth spearhead Jye Amiss is another that may receive consideration if available as a tall forward with a great track record for accuracy and kicking multiple goals per game, adding to an already potent attacking combination.

Slider throughout the year, Tyler Sonsie could come under consideration as well for the GIANTS, especially if they decide to go for a tall option at their early selection, with his kicking and footy IQ two traits that would be attracting many clubs.

Leading academy prospect Josh Fahey seems almost certain to land at the GIANTS regardless of bid position, with the AFL Academy member performing well when on the park, including best afield honours in the Academy game against Geelong VFL in April. The running defender will fit in well.

The other academy prospects to receive combine invites in Patrick Voss and Harrison Grintell are most likely later selections, or may slip through to the rookie draft, and with both playing in positions that need bolstering they may also find their way onto the GWS list if the opportunity presents itself.

KEY QUESTIONS:

> Will GWS go with the unanimously best available talent in Finn Callaghan?
> Will GWS look top trade up from pick 13?
> Will GWS take four selections, or leave happily with picks two, 13 and Fahey?