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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
>> 100+ PROFILES:<\/strong> View the 2025 AFL Draft Guide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 2025 RECORD:<\/strong>\u00a09th | 14-9 | 137.0 FIRST PICK:<\/strong> It is said the Bulldogs are on the hunt for half-backs, especially in the wake of delisting Jason Johannisen<\/strong> and Caleb Poulter<\/strong>. Although, perhaps the more pressing need from an outside perspective is the key defensive hole left even more bare by Liam Jones<\/strong>‘ departure. Problem being, tall backs are hard to come by in this draft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Geelong Falcons distributor Josh Lindsay<\/a> has been heavily linked to the Dogs for his elite ball use and footy IQ. The likes of West Australian Jacob Farrow<\/a> and Eastern dasher Oskar Taylor<\/a> will be in high demand among the Bulldogs’ hitting zone, but also fit the mould as running half-back options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps a small forward upgrade is on the cards instead. Lachy Dovaston<\/a> is arguably the best in the draft at that role, while a hard runner in Jevan Phillipou<\/a> suits what the Bulldogs have looked for – albeit as a primary midfielder. Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves<\/a> is another obvious match, but could be available later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Along similar lines, Swans Academy bolter Harry Kyle<\/a> 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<\/a> is arguably the best choice in the open draft, arguably in the 20-30 range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n REMAINING CROP:<\/strong> 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<\/a> is the choice instead as a bankable half-back who can intercept and rebound prolifically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a>. The athletic basketball convert is considered by many clubs to be the draft’s best ruck behind Cooper Duff-Tytler<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a> and Finn Davis<\/a> both provide plenty of pop off half-back as late targets, while Max Kondogiannis<\/a> may be available as tall defensive cover. Father-son prospect Will Darcy<\/a> has also been nominated but will likely get to the Bulldogs as a rookie.<\/p>\n\n\n\n KEY QUESTIONS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n – Is a half-back in the offing with pick 14? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
2025 PICKS:<\/strong>\u00a014, 33, 53
FUTURE PICKS:<\/strong>\u00a0\u201926 R1, \u201926 R2, \u201926 R3 | \u201927 R1, \u201927 R2, \u201927 R3, \u201927 R4
ACADEMY\/FATHER-SON NOMINEES:<\/strong>\u00a0Will Darcy (F\/S)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pick\u00a014<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Picks 33, 53<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
– 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?<\/p>\n\n\n\n