Bulldogs Recruiting Manager Simon Dalrymple said with the trio of early picks at the Club’s disposal, a best available player approach will be employed, with team needs potentially influencing later selections.
“It’s best player available, especially as we have got three first round selections,” Dalrymple said.
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“[With] picks 51 and our last pick we might look at some needs, but we are still looking at who we think, getting late in the draft… has got the best chance of being a successful AFL player.
“The percentages say that the numbers go down in terms of your chances of being a successful AFL player, so we certainly take that into account.”
While early draft picks are littered with players heralding impressive junior careers and undeniable natural ability, an emphasis on a prospects dedication and work ethic is placed on potential later selections.
“Their character is crucial in determining can we trust them to really train hard and make the most of the opportunities presented,” Dalrymple said.
The Bulldogs have made a strong stand to build a Club filled with people of good character and the extensive recruiting process is consistent with that philosophy.
Raw football ability alone will not suffice, with the Dogs recruiting department participating in a lengthy processes, culminating in tonight’s draft.
Dalrymple said the recruiting team has watched each player in up to 30 games this season alone, as well as factoring in AFL Draft Combine testing and state screening results.
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The background and character assessments are even further in depth with a large range of interviews and research being conducted between the under 16 nationals competition and draft day.
“A lot of interviews, home interviews, at the combine, speaking to school teachers… a lot of character investigations," said Dalrymple.
“[It’s a] very extensive set of measurements that we look at and then work to get them in order come draft day.
“We are confident that the process is a thorough one and that we do take everything into account and then try to make, what we see [as], the best decision.”
