On the first night of the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft, Josh Dolan was chatting to good friend Ryley Sanders about his first year at the Dogs.

The pair struck up a friendship during their time at the Sandringham Dragons together.

Little did Dolan know however, what was to unfold the following night.

Just over 24 hours after an unassuming chat, Dolan was drafted with the Western Bulldogs’ third pick (Pick 31 overall).

It’s a dream come true for the 18-year-old, who will now be able to make his own observations about the Kennel when he officially starts pre-season training on Monday.

“I’m pretty emotional – it’s been a rollercoaster but I’m super stoked to be on board,” he said.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet. It’s still pretty raw.

“I was with (Ryley) yesterday and had a bit of a chat to him about the Doggies.

“I had no idea (I was going to be drafted there too) but it’s good to be alongside him now. That year when I came back for the Dragons as a bottom-ager, I had a few conversations with him and he helped me a lot through that stage.”

Dolan is a creative midfielder-forward with great speed and impact.

He said he expects to start his AFL career in the forward-half. 

“I reckon I’ll start off as a high-forward and play there predominantly,” Dolan said.

“I bring a lot of speed, I’m a good ball-user and I run a lot, so those are my strengths.

“Hopefully I can bring a lot to the team in terms of the front half.”