The Western Bulldogs have often sought to remain at the top end of the AFL Draft, with 2025 set to be the 10th year in a row the Dogs feature in the first round of the draft.
This year's intake will come after a trade period that saw some change at the Kennel, and at a time when the Bulldogs won't to show they're a true contender going forward after missing finals.
While their incoming draft haul won't immediately move the needle, Dogs fans have seen first-year players have quick impacts in the red, white and blue in recent years.
Here's how the Western Bulldogs' draft plans for this week's count might unfold.
Draft Hand
Picks: 14, 33, 53 (1434 Points)
The Dogs shuffled back a couple of places in the first round of the draft order during the trade period to add to their hand of picks and secure Connor Budarick from the Suns.
That deal won't have a significant impact on how the first round might unfold for the Western Bulldogs, who could move back further if the right deal arises.
Given the type of prospects in their sights, and the range the Dogs find themselves in, they won't be short on finding an ideal fit with their opening selection.
The club;'s later picks might be required to select father-son Will Darcy late into the count, however he could slide through to the rookie intake.
List Needs
Front-Half Speed: The Dogs have built a threatening forward line, with the rise of young spearhead Sam Darcy the headline in Luke Beveridge's front-half. Aaron Naughton had a strong 2025 campaign in returning to form, while Rhylee West stood tall as a pressure forward as the main ground-level threat in Cody Weightman's absence. Perhaps adding another lively small forward is the go for the Dogs at this year's draft, injecting some speed, pressure and goal sense through a prospect who can also push up the field as an additional midfielder being a dream outcome.
Linebreaker: The Dogs have a need for speed in defence, or at the very least, a backman who can open up the field through their run and kicking. Bailey Dale, at times, looked like the lone architect in defence, with some support for the All-Australian another avenue for the Dogs to consider. A draftee who could roll across half-back, or push up onto the wing to complement the Dogs' inside ball winners, looms as a list fit the club can find at this year's draft.
Ruck Depth: Tim English's role as the first-string ruckman at the Kennel is in no danger, but it's time the Dogs find who his long-term successor might be. In 2025, Rory Lobb loomed as the man to replace English if he went down with injury, a move that would've weakened the Dogs' rearguard further. Lachie Smith enjoyed a strong year in the VFL and is positioned as the next man up, but he remains an unknown commodity at AFL level, and further depth in the pecking order may be required.
Potential Targets
Lachy Dovaston: Seen by most as the leading small forward in his draft class, the Eastern Ranges livewire looks to be an ideal fit for the Western Bulldogs. A zippy, crafty attacker who can push up the ground and add another layer to his side's midfield, Dovaston relies on his pace and pressure to stand out among the pack. Will be a name right in the mix for the Dogs' first pick of the draft, and has strong interest from a number of clubs, including sides that occupy selections in the top 10.
| 14 RANK |  | Lachy Dovaston Eastern Ranges Forward HEIGHT: 177cm | ▶+ |
Josh Lindsay: Rated as arguably the best kick in this year's pool, Lindsay had a strong year as a smooth-moving defensive-midfield hybrid across several levels. Flexed his best traits for the AFL Academy in the side's win over Coburg, which, coincidentally, took place at Whitten Oval. Lindsay's left foot splits open a game and can kickstart an avenue to attack from nowhere. Would add some cleanliness to the Dogs' backlline, and could also find himself as a wingman or through the middle further in his career.
| 16 RANK |  | Josh Lindsay Geelong Falcons Defender/Midfielder HEIGHT: 183cm | ▶+ |
Marcus Krasnadamskis: Has emerged as perhaps the second-best ruckman on offer, trailing only top pick contender Cooper Duff-Tytler, who some view as a forward more than a ruck. Krasnadamskis has bolted into a position that sees him likely to be selected at the AFL Draft, with the Dogs among the clubs with their eye on the Eastern Ranges big man. Is a powerful, hard-working tall who reads the game well, and likely starts his career as a forward before moving into the middle of the field.
| 32 RANK |  | Marcus Krasnadamskis Eastern Ranges Ruck/Forward HEIGHT: 199cm | ▶+ |
