The Western Bulldogs hold four picks for the top 50 in this year's draft, including a first-round selection, in the aftermath of a frantic trade window.
Three of those selections weren't originally tied to the Dogs, with their two best selections falling their way thanks to the departures of premiership players.
The Dogs have a list that's ready to contend but they will want to regenerate on the run and find new pieces who can place some selection pressure on their senior figures.
With certain list needs to be addressed and with access to two spots in the first 25 picks, we assess how the Dogs' draft plans might play out.
Draft Hand
Picks:ย 17, 25, 35, 48, 83, 90
The Bulldogs' busy off-season of exits has them well-placed for this year's draft despite entering the end of the year without a first-round selection initially.
The club gave up their own top selection for the 2024 count to Gold Coast over 12 months ago but managed to move back into the top 20 thanks to a trade deal with Geelong for Bailey Smith.
That selection - Pick 17 - is followed by Pick 25, which was initially tied to North Melbourne before it was packaged to the Western Bulldogs for Caleb Daniel.
Pick 35 has always belonged to the Dogs, while Pick 48 is tied to the Suns. After opening up further primary list spots since the end of the season, the club has also acquired selections 83 and 90.
List Needs
Front-Half Spark:ย While home to arguably the most lethal tall forward trio in Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Aaron Naughton and Sam Darcy, the Western Bulldogs will be keen to add further pieces to support their key position attacking weapons. Cody Weightman remains an exciting ground level threat, but further Dogs roaming the turf and breaking lines from higher up the field will be considered at this year's draft, and the club won't be short on options. A half-forward who can roll through the middle or an out-and-out small forward to match Weightman's energy or provide some forward-half pressure might be high on the Dogs' wish list.
Ruck Depth:ย Tim English will have the No.1 ruck spot at Whitten Oval for the next half-decade, but the Dogs need to weigh up who their second-string ruckman is going to be in that period, and potentially further. With Rory Lobb transitioning to defence and Sam Darcy emerging as perhaps the best young forward in the competition, the Dogs have only uncapped sophomore Lachie Smith waiting in the wings. Another young ruckman who may one day take the reins from English could be found at the 2024 draft, however it could cost the club a first-round pick if they want the best on offer.
Emerging Midfielders:ย The Dogs' crop of onballers took a hit over the trade period, with Jack Macrae, Bailey Smith and Caleb Daniel all departing. They did add Matt Kennedy and didn't rely on the other three all too often in 2024, but there is still a need to find the next wave of midfielders. Tom Liberatore - while still one of the best in-and-under players in the game, will be 33 next May, and Adam Treloar will be 32 by then as well. Ryley Sanders is the pup to lead the Dogs' midfield forward, and it's just a matter of adding other pieces to partner him.
Potential Targets
Cooper Hynes: An energetic and high-impact player, Hynes could be a great fit at the Kennel as the club's next midfield-forward asset. The Dandenong Stingrays co-captain capped off a stellar Talent League with a runners-up finish in the Morrish Medal, having averaged close to 24 disposals per game while going at 1.5 majors each appearance. His power, pace and leadership qualities might be what's needed by the Dogs, with Hynes potentially a perfect partner for the aforementioned Sanders. Northern Knights ace Jesse Dattoli is another for the Dogs to consider, as is Sandringham Dragons gun Taj Hotton if he's available at Pick 17.
Alex Dodson: The best ruckman on offer, Dodson offered more than a few glimpses he has what it takes after weighing up whether to go down the basketball or football route in 2024. The South Australian has opted for the latter and could be available to the Dogs at one of their first two selections. The hard-working 201cm teenager would be a great apprentice for Tim English, who could afford Dodson the needed time to develop before handing over the baton. If Dodson is missed by the Dogs, they'll be looking at the later stages to add to their ruck stocks, with GWV's Floyd Burmeister, WA's Aiden Riddle or local talent Lucas Impey others to ponder.
Christian Moraes: Moraes could quickly be the long-term replacement for the departed Jack Macrae, with the Eastern Ranges talent a formidable inside-outside ball-winner with a good tank and work rate. The Dogs will have to consider where they see Moraes landing when they weigh up a potential play for the Knox junior, with his range falling as early as the first round and potentially as far back as Pick 50. The Dogs have a trio of picks in that range, with Pick 35 potentially the best fit for a Moraes move. His Vic Metro teammate, Tom Gross, might be another prospect that earns the interest from the Dogs in a similar range.
