2025 Draft Thread

[TiAn_]

We’ve desperately needed medium defenders that can actually defend, intercept or ideally both.

If these two show enough to indicate they’re worth a list spot next year, to add to Jaques, it’ll give us a much better backline depth chart.

 

[Mojorisin]

We’ve desperately needed medium defenders that can actually defend, intercept or ideally both.

If these two show enough to indicate they’re worth a list spot next year, to add to Jaques, it’ll give us a much better backline depth chart.

Potentially allows us to play Williams solely as a wingman again.

 

[Bulldogs85]

Bulldogs Media | Western Bulldogs

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[weltschmerz]

In last year's draft we picked up three forwards (including Davidson who we shifted to the wing) to one defender, so it does make sense we went defenders this time around

 

[DiamondDogs8]

Would love to take Lachy Dovaston now in the ND should we still have our pick on the night.

 

[dogwatch]

Absolutely nailed it.

I'm tipping both will make this year's AA squad with Sellwood getting an AA blazer.
Don't say you weren't told.

 

[goodcop badcop]

In last year's draft we picked up three forwards (including Davidson who we shifted to the wing) to one defender, so it does make sense we went defenders this time around

I just think we went best available. We were linked to Banch, McKinlay and Young who were taken before our picks. Also linked to Raso who I didn't think was good enough.

 

[goodcop badcop]

Absolutely nailed it.

I'm tipping both will make this year's AA squad with Sellwood getting an AA blazer.
Don't say you weren't told.

Will be better then his brother Joel

 

[JohnnySteel]

Would love to take Lachy Dovaston now in the ND should we still have our pick on the night.

Looks like an absolute gun goal kicking small. Would be perfect for us if we want to prioritise a small forward early. We also have Harley Hicks as an NGA who we could get later on.

 

[Bulldogs85]

Who did your club just take? Every mid-season draft pick

Check out who your club selected in the 2025 AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft

www.afl.com.au

5. Western Bulldogs - Michael Sellwood​

186cm, 2/10/2003, Peel Thunder

Sellwood's one wood is his penetrating left foot, which clubs believe has turned him into an attractive prospect across half-back. Set to turn 22 later this year, Sellwood was a member of Peel Thunder's WAFL premiership side last season and has taken his impressive patch of form into 2025. He's averaged 23.7 disposals and 7.1 marks from seven senior games this year, while he was also among the best in the recent state fixture against a SANFL representative side. He excelled in his final bid to earn an AFL place last weekend, racking up a further 24 disposals, five marks and six tackles as his Thunder outfit fell to Perth. It was the type of prolific, hard-working performance that has kept Sellwood on the map after missing out in his draft year in 2021.

12. Western Bulldogs - Zac Walker​

191cm, 3/3/06, Gippsland Power

An over-age intercept defender, Walker was snared by the Power out of local footy after impressing for two years and working hard on his game. He impressed through the pre-season and has since averaged 14.8 disposals and 6.5 marks as a backman in the Coates Talent League. A Phillip Island product who starred in the West Gippsland league last year, Walker reads the play well, is strong overhead and a neat kick. Selected for the Young Guns earlier this season, he had 12 disposals and four rebounds against Vic Metro.

 

[dogwatch]

Will be better then his brother Joel

Joell

 

[DiamondDogs8]

Looking forward to everyone misspelling his name for however long he’s on the list.

McRae and Daniels out, Selwood in

 

[Mojorisin]

Not sure about Sellwood however Walker has an 18 month contract.

 

[MaxiBont]

Not sure about Sellwood however Walker has an 18 month contract.

Jeez must be pretty confident. Didn’t Rypstra get 6?

 

[Rookie]

Small forward would have been nice. But to be honest, they probably have the lowest odds to make it. We have no issue scoring goals, but our defence needs help. So makes sense to double up on them in hope that they can offer something in the weeks and hopefully years ahead.

Especially with concern over Weightman, we'll have to keep drafting and trading for small forwards. I can easily imagine us drafting or trading for a couple more this year, and taking Hicks late in the draft or a rookie.

 

[Mojorisin]

Jeez must be pretty confident. Didn’t Rypstra get 6?

Yes he did. The players select 6 or 18 months when they put in there nomination for the draft.

 

[MaxiBont]

Yes he did. The players select 6 or 18 months when they put in there nomination for the draft.

Ah didn’t know that, does the club have to honour that no matter what?

 

[Mojorisin]

Ah didn’t know that, does the club have to honour that no matter what?

Yes, it is one of the things they need to take into consideration when making their pick.
Hawks got Newcombe to nominate an 18 month contract to help him slide to them and it worked. This year pies got Archer May to nominate 18 months for the same reason however Essendon still picked him before them.

 

[Bulldogs85]

Yes, it is one of the things they need to take into consideration when making their pick.
Hawks got Newcombe to nominate an 18 month contract to help him slide to them and it worked. This year pies got Archer May to nominate 18 months for the same reason however Essendon still picked him before them.

Reason why Newcombe slide was because he nominated other terms

 

[Doggies7]

Not sure about Sellwood however Walker has an 18 month contract.

Makes a lot of sense for Walker. He's a bit more raw and a prospect to develop, especially interesting to get a pre-season under his belt next year and see how he looks about this time in 2026. Probably won't get too much out of him for the rest of 2025, but glad we can be patient with him and see how he looks over time.

 

[JohnnySteel]

Okay, so who are the dogs supporters in this years draft? Clearly we’ll be looking to add to our collection.

 

[weltschmerz]

Okay, so who are the dogs supporters in this years draft? Clearly we’ll be looking to add to our collection.

Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves, Toby Sinnema, Liam Hetherton, Thomas Burton, and Finn Davis

#3 Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves
Midfielder/Forward | 186cm | 16/11/2007


Stats: 18 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal


The AFL Academy member was deployed across a few roles throughout the day, spending majority of the first half acting as a high half-forward, lining up directly on fellow Academy member Ben Rongdit, before moving into a centre square role for large portions of the second half. Hibbins-Hargreaves showed off everything that got him into the Academy and then some, with his quick and precise execution by hand impressive even in congestion, and his trademark kicking still sublime. Early indications are that he’s developed positively in his stoppage craft and contested game, looking confident with contact and pressure going for the ball throughout the match.

#10 Thomas Burton
Midfielder I 178cm I 09/01/2007


Stats: 35 disposals, 5 marks, 5 tackles, 9 clearances, 7 inside 50s, 4 rebound 50s, 1 goal


Burton was a consistent contributor throughout all four quarters, showing great running ability and composure on the ball. He worked hard defensively, taking several key marks around defensive 50, and showed excellent link-up play through the corridor. His ability to receive, run, and deliver forward with precision was a major feature of his game. Burton also played on quickly when appropriate and looked to move the ball with purpose.

could do a lot worse honestly

 

[JohnnySteel]

Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves, Toby Sinnema, Liam Hetherton, Thomas Burton, and Finn Davis




could do a lot worse honestly

I really like the way Finn Davis moves as well, could be a steal late, 188cm defender.

 

[Mojorisin]

Now turning my attention to the end of year drafts, I think it's increasingly likely we only take one pick from the open pool (ideally a small forward).
Our other pick in the National draft likely goes to matching a bid on Will Darcy before we move O'Donnell to the main list as our third mandated addition to the main list.

 

[weltschmerz]

Now turning my attention to the end of year drafts, I think it's increasingly likely we only take one pick from the open pool (ideally a small forward).
Our other pick in the National draft likely goes to matching a bid on Will Darcy before we move O'Donnell to the main list as our third mandated addition to the main list.

Wonder if Harley Hicks gets a bid? He made Vic Country after just one game and sounds like exactly the type we need