Western Bulldogs Next Generation Academy talen Luamon Lual looms as an intriguing draft prospect for 2023, with the Dogs potentially seeing the half-back flanker slip through their fingers.
The GWV Rebels defender is a live chance to fall inside the top 40 selections and therefore be out of reach for the Dogs, whose Pick 5 selection is their only place in the queue prior to Pick 48.
A number of picks in the Dogs' draft hand will also be swallowed up in a bid for father-son prospect Jordan Croft, with the Dogs likely to have leftover selections if a bid for Lual falls past the Pick 40 NGA barrier.
The South Warrnambool junior is an exciting line-breaker out of defence, having shown his best efforts for the Rebels this year while also earning a spot for Vic Country in their National Championships campaign.
Lual was selected for the Talent League Team of the Year following his 14 games for GWV this year, averaging 17.9 disposals 3.6 tackles and 2.9 rebound 50s per match.
Also able to play further up the field through midfield or on a wing, the talented teenager is equally damaging on the offensive end as he is behind the ball, with his rebounding and constant run a major plus that will have scouts tempted.
An up-and-down year has seen Lual's place among this year's crop move frequently, adding to the mystery of whether he'll be available to the Bulldogs at the draft, but his standout moments are what will remain in the minds of his onlookers.
A big fan of Hawthorn's Changkuoth Jiath, Lual has looked to model his game off the Hawks backman, and may also draw similarities to premiership Demon Christian Salem.
Position: Defender
Height: 182cm
Weight: 72kg
State: Victoria
Club: South Warrnambool
Strengths
Line-Breaking
Two-Way Runner
Athleticism
One-On-One
Draft Range
Pick 25-45
Potential Landing Spots
Western Bulldogs (NGA access)
Essendon (Pick 35)
Richmond (Picks 29+41)
AFL Comparison
Changkuoth Jiath
Christian Salem
Expert comments
"A wingman or defender who is a well-balanced and skilful player, Lual is part of the AFL's Multicultural Academy given he is of South Sudanese heritage. A good player one-on-one, he started the season in good touch." - Kevin Sheehan
