The Western Bulldogs today announced that the Club has traded Brian Lake to Hawthorn in exchange for the Hawks first two selections (currently 21 and 41) in the 2012 AFL National Draft. 

Importantly this includes a first round draft pick which will leave the club with three first round drafts picks in the upcoming National Draft.

To ensure the Western Bulldogs secured its third first National Draft pick - it has exchanged a second round selection (27) as part of the trade.  

Following the trade, the Western Bulldogs now hold six picks inside 50.

List Manager Jason McCartney said the trade placed the Club in an unprecedented position as they entered the National Draft in November.

Watch List Manager Jason McCartney discuss the Western Bulldogs' early trade week decisions on the media player above.

“The accumulation of six picks inside 50 presents the opportunity the likes of which this Club has not seen before to recruit the core list around which we will build the future of this football club,” McCartney said today.

 “In an increasingly competitive environment our future success going forward is contingent on what we do today and given the stage Brian’s career is at - we see this as a very good proposition for the Club.

“We thank Brian for his contribution to the football club.

“In what is an exciting time for the Club we are looking forward to continuing to develop the team under Brendan McCartney,” McCartney said.