Western Bulldogs

Five trade targets for every AFL club: Western Bulldogs

A pair of free agents, a wantaway wingman and a Carlton backman are among the Dogs’ wish list.

Published by

Mitch Keating

The Western Bulldogs head back to the drawing board in September after missing out on a top eight spot, with senior coach Luke Beveridge now needing to assess what areas of his list he can add to.

Plenty of the Dogs' off-season plans will be placed toward the draft, where they currently hold two first-round picks and have a top father-son prospect on the way in tall forward Jordan Croft.

Instead of having ties to rival clubs, most trade links are heading the other way when it comes to the Bulldogs as well, with the likes of Bailey Smith, Jordon Sweet and Bailey Williams each having their names raised at one point this year.

So who would the Bulldogs be looking to add to their list? Here we name five players the Footscray-based side could look to trade for in 2023.

Tom Doedee

The Adelaide free agent is said to be weighing up his options away from West Lakes after a low-ball offer from the Crows, with Brisbane named as a potential suitor for the injured defender.

There's been little mention of other clubs that are showing interest in Doedee, but the Bulldogs should be a side considering a move for his signature.

Doedee is a formidable intercept defender who can go head-to-head with tall or small forwards thanks to his 190cm, 90kg frame. A recent ACL injury is likely to have limited offers for Doedee, but a cheaper contract could seal the deal if the 26-year-old was keen on a move to Whitten Oval.

There Doedee would work alongside veterans Liam Jones and Alex Keath, while also offering being able to extend the Dogs' defensive group through an era of succession as the likes of Jedd Busslinger and Sam Darcy also look to hone their craft.

A restricted free agent, the Dogs may not have to hand over any trade assets to Adelaide if Doedee and the Dogs can agree to a deal that won't be matched by the Crows.

Liam Henry

Any interest in Henry will come with plenty of competition, with several Victorian clubs expected to move for the wantaway Docker following his trade request this week.

Henry is said to be seeking a move to Victoria and may already have suitors in St Kilda, Hawthorn and North Melbourne, while the Bulldogs could make a charge for the young wing-forward hybrid.

With the Dogs potentially looking at outside run and speed, Henry can complement Luke Beveridge's well-rehearsed midfield ensemble and can also drift forward to be an attacking threat at ground level alongside Cody Weightman.

Henry won't come cheap given Fremantle's fondness for the Cottesloe junior, with the Dockers acquiring Henry as a top 10 draft selection only four years ago.

The Bulldogs do have Pick 10, 17 and 36 to open their account this year, but will need to keep mid-rage selection ahead of an anticipated first-round bid for father-son talent Jordan Croft.

Hunter Clark

Clark remains unsigned for the 2024 season and has likely seen his value decrease over the course of the past 18 months, potentially making him a cheaper trade avenue for clubs looking for midfield and defensive options.

With Caleb Daniel, Ed Richards and even Bailey Dale moving further up the field this season, Clark could be an acquisition that allows the Dogs trio more freedom in the front half as he gets to work in the backline.

Clark has averaged 18.17 disposals so far in 2023 to go with career-highs for tackles (3.72), contested possessions (7.56), clearances (2.78) and inside 50s (2.61)

While no certainty to walk into Beveridge's side, Clark can be a valuable depth option for the Bulldogs and will bring with him close to 90 games of experience.

The 24-year-old is yet to reach his full potential and could benefit from a new home from 2024.

Caleb Marchbank

Another medium-sized backline option that is unlikely to cost the Bulldogs a pretty penny, with Marchbank still yet to confirm his future beyond 2023 - a season where he hasn't managed to secure himself as a best 22 player under Michael Voss.

While injuries have played their part, Marchbank still has good footy ahead of him and could be a name that the Western Bulldogs ponder this off-season, should he remain unsigned.

In a move that would see the 26-year-old land at his third club, a trade to the Bulldogs would act similarly to how Doedee would slot into the Beveridge's backline, bridging the gap between their senior defenders and emerging ranks.

Marchbank is solid overhead, is a calming presence down back and relies on his football smarts to get out of tough situations.

Is another player that can allow someone like Bailey Dale to have more of an influence further up the field.

James Jordon

If the Dogs are to look toward more midfield polish, a call that could be made amid murmurs surrounding Bailey Smith and with the ever-effective Tom Liberatore nearing the end of his career, then Jordon presents as a suitable option for them to explore.

The young Demon is able to play both on the inside and outside of midfield and better yet, is eligible as a free agent - potentially costing any keen club nothing to secure his signature.

Given he was once delisted and then re-listed by Melbourne, Jordon is therefore able to exercise his rights as a free agent and can join a club of his choosing.

The Bulldogs could see Jordon as a role player who can help keep the likes of Smith and Jack Macrae playing the roles they thrive in most, with Jordon able to switch to a wing, flank or into the middle if needed.

Given his contract status and potential, Jordon could be one the Dogs ponder this off-season.

Published by

Mitch Keating

1 year ago