The Western Bulldogs could be the first trade target in the AFL's new live trading of draft picks, with three clubs interested in their first pick.
The prospect of the Dogs trading their pick to move a few places in the draft in exchange for an extra pick in this or next years draft has emerged, with the club still being able to secure the player they wanted.
The Dogs first selection is pick 7 and Adelaide, Port Adelaide and Greater Western Sydney are all interested.
The clubs holding the first six picks - Carlton, Gold Coast, St Kilda and Port Adelaide - are unlikely to trade part with their selections, making the Bulldogs a viable target.
It is understood that midfielder Bailey Smith is a target for the Dogs, while the clubs after them have different priorities. This means that the Dogs could trade their pick seven and still get Smith, or another player of equal interest, as well as obtaining an extra draft pick.
Adelaide have pick eight in the draft and it is possible that they could move up one place to ensure a club such as the Giants or Port Adelaide don't claim pick seven and claim one of their targets.
"I would imagine every club is open minded to the possibilities of live trading and we are in the same position," Bulldogs chief executive Ameet Bains told The Age.
"The challenge for us and for everyone is that this is the first time we are doing it and we are doing it with a five-minute pick period. There is a tight time frame on it."
This year's draft is considered to strong at the top but fall away, which may lead to trading towards the back end. Once clubs have traded for academy and father-son players and gained the necessary points, they will be more likely to trade picks.
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