The Western Bulldogs have decided against using the AFL’s new father-son bidding system to bring in potential recruit Darcy MacPherson.
MacPherson is the son of 188-game Bulldog Stephen MacPherson and has been a member of the club’s father-son academy.
The Dogs announced via their website on Tuesday that they would not be seeking to add the 174cm Northern Knights onballer through the father-son scheme but will still consider selecting him if he is available in the draft.
The Dogs have picks 20, 21, 30 and 51 at this year’s national draft, to be held in Adelaide on November 24.
The AFL overhauled their father-son scheme this year, with the new points-based system allowing clubs to bid for potential father-sons from other clubs while the draft is in progress.
Previously, father-son nominations would be tabled at a meeting on the first day of the trade period.
In other news, the Bulldogs will play a third game for premiership points in Cairns next season.
Club chief executive David Stevenson was in Queensland on Tuesday to announce that the Dogs would host Gold Coast at Cazaly’s Stadium in round 17 next year.
“Our home game in Cairns has become an important part of our fixture and we are thrilled to be returning for the third consecutive year,” Stevenson told the club’s website.
“We all have an important role to play in helping grow our great game and we embrace the opportunity to take our club to communities like Cairns, who are unmistakably passionate about football.”
mattyb
Guest
I doubt we will draft a Ruckman.Campbell,Minson,Roughead will do fine.We will again look at Martin next year and might even rookie list Ayce this year as back up.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
I hope not Edgar. I think it's stupid to draft an 18 year old prospective ruckman, because they take 5-7 years to start becoming any good. Much better to target a mature-age ruckman from another club who is just coming into his prime. I was disappointed we didn't go hard after Zac Smith. But Tom Campbell is in a similar age profile and showed potential this year, so hopefully he gets the job done. Hawthorn have shown you can get by with a mediocre performer in that role and still win premierships.
Edgar Slosh
Roar Guru
Im expecting to see the Dogs first 2 draft picks being ruck men
mattyb
Guest
The bullies have painted themselves into a corner somewhat here and tattletails Talia hasn't helped.I think we are leaving ourselves open to options here.We will use our first four picks to get one or two KPD's a couple of best available picks and if Son Of Super is still around and is a viable option we will try and pick him up with our last pick or rookie draft if we can.
Paul W
Guest
Has he inherited Super's fight ;-) Maybe we'll take him in the rookie draft if he's available.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
It looks like he has inherited Super's height. We probably don't need another sub 175cm player right now.
Edgar Slosh
Roar Guru
He failed his medical. He has a serious shoulder injury that isnt improving