Unearthing hidden gems in the AFL Draft is what many recruiters strive for and the Western Bulldogs’ history is not without its bargain picks.

When retrospectively looking at Bulldogs’ draft successes, few can go past 1988 when Club Legend Chris Grant landed at Whitten Oval for the basement price of selection 105.

While not every selection can result in a 341-game dual best and fairest winner, there are a number of speculative draft choices which have more than paid off for the Bulldogs.

The illustrious draft class of 1999 may have seen Club veterans Robert Murphy and Daniel Giansiracusa selected within the first two rounds but a number of later picks bore similarly pleasing results.

Lindsay Gilbee (206 games) and his precise foot skills only cost the Bulldogs a late third round selection at number 43, while Ryan Hargrave’s 203 games service set the Club back a mere pick 66.

Former Bulldog Brian Lake played 197 games for the Club but in 2001 the full back came to the kennel in return for selection 71 – six rounds into the draft.

Casting a more historical eye over the Bulldogs’ history, in 1992 Daniel Southern (103) found himself calling the Victoria University Whitten Oval home after being recruited with pick 92.

While the future is yet to unfold a number of the Bulldogs current crop are also shaping up to be steals in recent years.