The Western Bulldogs have made two selections in today’s NAB AFL Rookie Draft, taking Footscray midfielder Billy Gowers with pick nine, while retaining defender Roarke Smith with the 26^th pick.

Adept on both sides of his body and a strong mark overhead, the athletic Gowers played 16 VFL games in 2017 where he averaged 16 touches and five marks per game.

Western Bulldogs Recruiting Manager Simon Dalrymple said the former Carlton rookie has plenty of upside.

“Billy’s a 21-year-old medium forward with very good speed and endurance,” he told westernbulldogs.com.au 

“He is strong overhead and very lively in front goal.”

VIEW NOW: See the bio and watch the highlights reel of new Bulldogs rookie Billy Gowers.

The promising Smith gets his second chance for the Bulldogs after the Club recommitted drafting the 21-year-old high-flyer following his delisting in October.  

Smith made his AFL debut in Round 21, 2015 against West Coast before a knee injury forced him to miss a large part of the 2016 season. 

He returned to play his second career game in Round 22, before being forced to undergo a second knee reconstruction when he injured his other knee in the 2017 JLT Community series.

VIEW NOW: See the bio and watch the highlights reel of Bulldogs rookie Roarke Smith.