The Bulldogs are set to take part in a pick swap.Credit:Getty Images
Under the scenario being touted,the Cats would give up two of their three picks in the 30s (Geelong hold picks 30,32 and 34) to then have back-to-back picks in the national draft at pick 22 (their existing selection) and 23 (currently the Bulldogs’ pick).
This would give Geelong the chance to land local prospect Toby Conway,the cousin of Paddy and Tom McCartin,who is considered the best ruckman in the national draft. The Cats could then use their other pick on a running player who would be likely to develop more quickly than Conway.
Players in that range include another local talent in Grovedale’s Mitch Knevitt or running players around that range such as Campbell Chesser,Darcy Wilmot or Tom Brown,the son of former Cat Paul.
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The Bulldogs – who will need to match the points for Darcy when the bid comes at pick No.2 – would ensure they have enough points to match the bid. They will either use two or three picks later in the draft or look to trade back into the third round.
The Kangaroos,who would like a third pick in the 30s to continue their rebuild after using picks one and 20 in the draft,have picks 42,47,72 and 77 in this year’s draft as well as future third- and fourth-round picks to help the Bulldogs match the bid and realise the second-round pick’s value.
Exactly which picks North Melbourne will trade out remain unclear,while Collingwood are also a chance to trade back into the draft after matching the bid for Nick Daicos,which is expected at pick four when Gold Coast have their first selection.