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 are the Western Bulldogs, who can look forward to bringing in another top-end club tied talent, and have scope to trade back into this year’s draft to prize even more value.

CURRENT PICKS: 23, 43, 44, 45, 52

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

ACADEMY/FATHER-SON NOMINEES:

Sam Darcy (F/S), Cody Raak (NGA)

LIST NEEDS:

+ Key position depth
+ Long-term squad depth

FIRST PICK OPTIONS:
(Pick 23)

This section is essentially superfluous for the Western Bulldogs, with their first pick inevitably set to jump right up to the pointy end as they match a bid for father-son gun, Sam Darcy. Just where that bid falls has been a discussion point throughout the year, but with GWS in need of some key position depth, the Giants have firmed as the club willing to pull the trigger. Pick two, Western Bulldogs, Sam Darcy.

In Darcy, the son of Luke, the Bulldogs essentially get first dibs on the best tall talent available for a second year running. The 205cm utility has grown substantially both in size and on-field development over the last year, maintaining incredible balance and skill for a player of his build. He started his 2021 season down back and looked natural on each line, but may end up being an athletic ruck-forward as his career progresses.

REMAINING CROP:

The Dogs will look to get busy at the live trade table, with pick 23 one which has been on offer to other clubs for a while. Of course, it would be in the firing line with a bid on Darcy from GWS at pick two, but holds enough value for other clubs to seek it out with a deal.

With three or four picks to make, the Bulldogs could also lean on their untouched 2022 haul to trade back into this year’s intake. Depending on where they end up, there are a bunch of potential sliders likely to find their way into the second and third rounds, especially in the way of around-the-square options.

Mature-agers may be in the mix late for the Doggies, especially with a few suiting their need for key defensive back-up. Speaking of, Next Generation Academy (NGA) nominee Cody Raak will also come into calculations and could be the one to alleviate those defensive needs.

KEY QUESTIONS:

> Will the Bulldogs be made to match a bid for Darcy at pick two?
> How will the Bulldogs manage to get back into this year’s draft?
> Will the Bulldogs still look to offload pick 23?