GWS Giants National Recruiting Manager Adrian Caruso has offered insight into why this year's No. 1 overall pick hasn't changed hands yet, despite continued trade speculation.
Last year, Caruso's Giants acquired the first selection in the 2022 National Draft from North Melbourne; representing the first time in more than 20 years the first pick changed hands via trade.
GWS selected in-demand key forward Aaron Cadman with the prized selection, as the Kangaroos secured a handy package in exchange to set up their count. The Shinboners selected Harry Sheezel and George Wardlaw with the third and fourth picks, respectively.
This year around, though, the West Coast Eagles haven't budged as yet in continued discussions with North Melbourne and Melbourne for the prestigious No. 1 choice.
However, this year's first overall pick holds a higher value than most other years, due to the rapid ascension of unanimous top talent Harley Reid; the bullocking Bendigo Pioneers midfielder.
"It's a challenge," Caruso said via Gettable.
"It's bigger than just a recruiting decision, to say let's go and do it. It's a club decision. There's no doubt the clubs that have considered in the past – and West Coast and North Melbourne are in that boat this year – it's not just the recruiting team saying yes or no. It's a bigger-picture decision."
Caruso explained that all parties need to be satisfied with the outcome of the deal, claiming that was the case last year for the Roos, who moved back in the order.
"At the end of the day, for us last year it was a bit different and unique," Caruso continued.
"We've probably had more picks to play with than other clubs. Handing over picks to shuffle around the order, it's got to work for everyone. It definitely worked for us, but it also worked for North Melbourne last year.
"That's what those clubs need to weigh up. Is it worth the risk?"
Caruso emphasised Reid's gargantuan presence as a key factor in trade negotiations this November.
"You're trading players, not just picks, at that point of the draft," he went on. "You're not trading for pick No.1; you're trading for Harley Reid.
"If North are giving up pick No.2, they're trading whatever they would be getting. You've got to look at it that way.
"But, there's no doubt, there's a reason it's never done … other than once in the last 20 years."
Quizzed on the prospect of his Western Sydney brigade pulling off the gutsy move for a second consecutive year, Caruso didn't seem as hopeful.
"I think moving up is going to be tricky," the Giants' recruiting boss continued.
"I think now, given the clubs that are picking ahead of us and how it's panned out and where the Richmond pick ended up at pick No. 7, it's going to be hard to move up.
"We've pretty much put that on the backburner in our minds.
"We're open with pick No. 7 … We're not going to be out there trying to do anything. But if clubs come to us, we're always open-minded. Picks No. 7 and 16, we feel like they're in a good spot."
The first round of the 2023 National Draft is scheduled for November 20, with the rest of this year's proceedings set for November 21.
Both nights' events will be held at Marvel Stadium.