Western Bulldogs' AFL Draft hand has been depleted this year given their pursuit of Zak Butters, and it could be even further restricted if they choose to match a bid for Academy gun Khaled El Souki.
El Souki fits a clear list need for the Bulldogs, but they would also be keen to add some defensive reinforcement.
Draft picks: 42, 53, 55, 83, 89, 91, 109
Before the player movement period, the Dogs had their first and second round selection, but that has been predictably weakened given the players who came in.
Like all clubs, the Dogs will be hoping to hit the jackpot before Tasmania's arrival and, alongside some kids, have been linked to mature-agers.
List needs
AFL-ready small forward: It has been a list need for some time and one they have overlooked. Cody Weightman is on the list but is a hybrid, marking threat more than a front and centre crumber. A player with the capacity to impact early in their career, given the importance of front half threats in the modern game and the expectation the Dogs will spike in 2026, would be a handy addition. And they will have the best job in footy - roving at the feet of star forward Sam Darcy.
Key defender: The Dogs added Jordon Butts in the off-season and re-signed Buku Khamis, but it is well known that the Dogs lack quality in the defensive end. There are plenty of key defenders in this year's draft, but with so many clubs after that sort of player, whether there is one of sufficiently high quality by the time the Dogs enter the AFL Draft remains to be seen.
Bounce off half-back: A player to kickstart counter-attack is another area the Dogs may look to reinforce. They have the elite Bailey Dale, but no other A-Graders in this position alongside him, notwithstanding they added Lachy Carmichael last year, who has the capability of playing this position.
Potential targets
Khaled El Souki: Whether he lands at the Dogs has been intertwined with the club's pursuit of Zak Butters. As it stands, following the Dogs winning the race for the star midfielder, the Dogs would likely need to go into a deficit to match a bid for El Souki and would only be able to match a bid from about Pick 24 onwards. A powerful goal-kicker, El Souki looked comfortable against senior bodies earlier this year playing for Footscray but will likely need some time in the VFL to get conditioned before being ready to consistently impact at the top level.
Zach Stevens: The small forward is an option if a bid comes too high for El Souki. The bolter from Geelong has rapid speed and is a dynamic front-half playmaker who has emerged as an option for clubs looking to add a goal-kicker and an injection of energy.
Harry Franz: Franz is probably the key defender who could still be available by the time the Dogs enter the draft. An athletic marking defender, he played strong Talent League footy in South Australia while being forced to take a back seat to Mitch Harris at the Under-18s National Championships.
Wil Antrobus: Fits what the Dogs need well. A hard-at-it, defend-first player who can set up counterattack with his lethal left foot. Was outstanding all year at Talent League level and opens the game up with his bravery.
Archie Spencer: The Dogs have been closely linked to Spencer, who, after playing predominantly as a midfielder who can rotate forward at Talent League level, was shown off at half-back at the National Championships and thrived. A ruthless competitor who is brave over the footy, he also has deceptive athleticism and an ability to generate overlap runs. Can be used in any third of the ground and shapes as a shrewd late pickup for a club.
Jack Riding: Riding is one who has been linked to the Dogs. The VFL team of the year player from Werribee averaged 24 disposals this year after narrowly missing out on an SSP spot at Hawthorn, where he trained in pre-season. Has been on the cusp for some time as a front-half livewire who can also play midfield, continually impressing at the state league.
Cooper Craig-Peters: The Footscray midfielder has renewed hope of getting an AFL lifeline given he is eligible to join a club as a Category B rookie due to his Indigenous heritage. The midfielder has been producing at the state league for several years and was named best afield in last year's VFL grand final, with the Bulldogs the frontrunner to secure his services, with the midfielder on the cusp multiple times in recent years. While the clear frontrunner for the Dogs' Category B list spot, Western Jets utility Kobe Williams also cannot be discounted. He returned to the Talent League as a 19-year-old this year and has been a member of the Dogs NGA, with the club one of multiple clubs to have interviewed him throughout 2026.
