Western Bulldogs Recruiting Manager Simon Dalrymple said the Club got their men as the experts begin to cast their eye over the Dogs draft night haul.
Here’s what they had to say:
AFL.com.au said:
The Giants aside, it's hard to find any club that did better out of the draft than the Bulldogs. Jake Stringer and Jackson Macrae are different types to the young players they've already got coming through, while the Dogs were rapt to get Nathan Hrovat. He might end up one of the steals of this year's crop. If not for a few more centremetres, Hrovat would have been well within the top 15 selections after a terrific season. To cap it off they paid unders for father-son recruit Lachie Hunter at pick 50. Joshua Prudden ended their night, one they will look back on as perhaps the start of their resurgence in future years.
Watch on the media player above as Bulldogs Recruiting Manager Simon Dalrymple reviews' the Club's AFL Draft performance.
Herald Sun said:
Half-forward Jackson Macrae gives the Dogs the pizzazz, tricks and goal sense they lack, while powerhouse Jake Stringer could wind up a steal if his broken leg heals as medical experts expect it will with biomechanical adjustments. Nathan Hrovat slid and bolsters the growing band of ferocious young, inside midfielders. Lachie Hunter will play forward early and can kick bags of goals. Josh Prudden was plucked from relative obscurity but adds further depth the robust midfield stocks.
5. Jake Stringer
Tumbled down the draft order because of complications from breaking two bones in his leg 18 months ago but could be a steal if he recovers fully. Excellent in one-on-one contests, has good speed off the mark and an outstanding kick.
6. Jackson Macrae
Versatile flanker who can play back, forward and through the midfield. Seems to have more time than other players as has been likened to Scott Pendlebury. Uses the ball well and makes smart decisions. Loves the big stage, kicking eight goals in the TAC Cup finals and the golden point to win the grand final for the Chargers.
21. Nathan Hrovat
Clearance specialist who makes up for lack of size with hard work and sheer ball-winning ability. Has an impressive CV - Vic Metro’s MVP and vice-captain, All-Australian, Knights best-and-fairest winner, third in the Morrish medal and second in TAC Cup coaches award.
49. Lachlan Hunter
Inside/outside midfielder with devastating goalkicking abilities. Shone in the TAC Cup this year, averaging 138 SuperCoach points. A steal for the Dogs at pick 50 as a father-son selection.
50. Josh Prudden
The inside midfielder may have gone under the radar with limited exposure, but the Western Bulldogs recruiting team believe they have found a gem with pick No.50. A workhorse around the stoppages, the 18-year-old will bolster the Bulldogs' growing inside midfield stocks.
The Age said:
5. Jake Stringer
Powerful midfielder who loves going into attack and thrives on one-on-one contests. Has a penetrating kick and overcame a serious leg injury last season.
6. Jackson Macrae
Midfielder who has also played at both ends of the ground. Courageous in the air and has a lovely, long left-foot kick.
21. Nathan Hrovat
Hard-working midfielder who is a gun at stoppages, where he could become a team leader. Always reliable in the clinches.
49. Lachie Hunter
Midfielder who is smart around the goals, with a damaging left foot. Joins the Bulldogs under the father-son rule, as his dad, Mark, played 130 games for the club.
50. Josh Prudden
Inside midfielder considered by the Dogs to be a gem in the stoppages.
