The Western Bulldogs have welcomed eight new players through the 2018 NAB AFL National and Rookie Drafts.
Five new Dogs arrived in the National Draft – Bailey Smith (pick 7), Rhylee West (26), Laitham Vandermeer (37), Ben Cavarra (45) and Will Hayes (78).
In the rookie draft the Bulldogs secured youngsters Lachie Young (pick 6) and Jordon Sweet (23), while also pre-selecting Next Generation Academy player Buku Khamis.
VISIT THE BULLDOGS’ NAB TRADE AND DRAFT HUB, POWERED BY MERCEDES-BENZ VANS
NAB AFL DRAFT
A hard-running, ball-winning midfielder from the Sandringham Dragons who averaged 25 disposals in the Under 18 National Championships and earned All-Australian honours.
Rhylee West is the son of seven-time Bulldogs Charles Sutton Medallist Scott, who played 324 games. Rhylee is a combative, pressure midfielder who elite around the stoppages and can push forward.
Dream realised.
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) November 23, 2018
Here's the moment Rhylee West became a Bulldog! #AFLDraft pic.twitter.com/somIxFGofM
A speedy line-breaking defender from the Murray Bushranger, Vandermeer represented Vic Country at the National Championships and played as a 19-year-old in the Under 18 competition in 2018.
A 22-year-old small forward from Williamstown in the VFL who has kicked 66 goals in two seasons, won consecutive VFL team of the year honours, and is a past Morrish Medallist.
Another VFL product, 23-year-old Hayes is Footscray’s reigning Best and Fairest winners after an outstanding season which saw him average 26 disposals per game as a midfielder.
.@FootscrayVFL premier in ‘14 & ‘16.
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) November 23, 2018
Drafted to the @AFL in 2018.
Will’s story is an absolute beauty! pic.twitter.com/zVwmPqCyGA
NAB AFL ROOKIE DRAFT
Young is a rebounding defender with a penetrating kick who is a strong intercept mark, who can also play up the ground and played in the Dandenong Stingrays’ 2018 premiership side.
A competitive and versatile 20-year-old 202cm ruckman from North Adelaide who played in the Roosters’ 2018 SANFL premiership team and has an ability to be effective up forward.
PRE-SELECTED ROOKIE
An exciting intercept defender from the Western Jets, who is a product of the Club’s Next Generation Academy and a past participant in the Bulldogs Community Foundation’s settlement programs.
