WESTERN Bulldogs built a finals record but landed in ninth this year, and after losing some experience over the off-season, will look to rebound with a first round draft pick. Question marks remain over what positional need the Bulldogs will target, while a father-son nominee is also in the offing later on.

>> 100+ PROFILES: View the 2025 AFL Draft Guide

2025 RECORD: 9th | 14-9 | 137.0
2025 PICKS: 14, 33, 53
FUTURE PICKS: ’26 R1, ’26 R2, ’26 R3 | ’27 R1, ’27 R2, ’27 R3, ’27 R4
ACADEMY/FATHER-SON NOMINEES: Will Darcy (F/S)

FIRST PICK:
Pick 14

It is said the Bulldogs are on the hunt for half-backs, especially in the wake of delisting Jason Johannisen and Caleb Poulter. Although, perhaps the more pressing need from an outside perspective is the key defensive hole left even more bare by Liam Jones‘ departure. Problem being, tall backs are hard to come by in this draft.

Geelong Falcons distributor Josh Lindsay has been heavily linked to the Dogs for his elite ball use and footy IQ. The likes of West Australian Jacob Farrow and Eastern dasher Oskar Taylor will be in high demand among the Bulldogs’ hitting zone, but also fit the mould as running half-back options.

Perhaps a small forward upgrade is on the cards instead. Lachy Dovaston is arguably the best in the draft at that role, while a hard runner in Jevan Phillipou suits what the Bulldogs have looked for – albeit as a primary midfielder. Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves is another obvious match, but could be available later.

Along similar lines, Swans Academy bolter Harry Kyle is attracting interest around the top 20 range but will more likely be available to bid on later. Should the Bulldogs actually look to address their key defensive needs, Blake Thredgold is arguably the best choice in the open draft, arguably in the 20-30 range.

REMAINING CROP:
Picks 33, 53

Pick 33 is an interesting point to land and will likely be drawn in a few spots after several matched bids. Speaking of, is this where the Bulldogs pull the trigger on a type like Kyle? Perhaps fellow Swan Lachlan Carmichael is the choice instead as a bankable half-back who can intercept and rebound prolifically.

Hibbins-Hargreaves has plenty of suitors but may even be a chance to slide to this pick, while the Bulldogs have been heavily linked to Eastern prospect Marcus Krasnadamskis. The athletic basketball convert is considered by many clubs to be the draft’s best ruck behind Cooper Duff-Tytler.

The Bulldogs traded for a third pick in the draft (53) and could add depth options at either end of the ground. Western Jets duo Thomas Burton and Finn Davis both provide plenty of pop off half-back as late targets, while Max Kondogiannis may be available as tall defensive cover. Father-son prospect Will Darcy has also been nominated but will likely get to the Bulldogs as a rookie.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– Is a half-back in the offing with pick 14?
– Did the Bulldogs have a player in mind when trading back in for pick 53?
– Will a bid come for father-son nominee Will Darcy?