Key player Urges Bulldogs to Trade Senior Stars for Draft Picks in Major Overhaul Plan
David King, a dual premiership winner, has proposed a daring trade strategy for the Western Bulldogs, suggesting they trade away four senior players in exchange for a substantial haul of draft picks.
The Bulldogs have had a disappointing start to their 2024 season, securing victories in only two of their first four matches—against Gold Coast in Ballarat and the West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium.
Their latest match saw a narrow defeat to Geelong by four points at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night, leaving them in eighth place ahead of a critical Round 5 encounter with Essendon at Marvel Stadium. As the season progresses, uncertainties persist about the Bulldogs’ prospects for 2024 amid ongoing changes to their squad.
Speaking on Fox Footy’s First Crack, King emphasized the emergence of a new generation of Bulldogs players whom he believes are crucial for the team’s future success.
“I think the Bulldogs are somewhat behind the curve,” King remarked on Sunday night. “Players like Aaron Naughton, aged 24, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, 22, and Sam Darcy, 20, are set to lead the next phase of the club’s development.”
Acknowledging that the current squad may not be ready to challenge for a premiership, King suggested that a strategic reset may be necessary.
“The Bulldogs’ roster includes promising talents like Sanders, Weightman, Buku Khamis, Ed Richards, and Harvey Gallagher,” he noted. “With ‘Bont’ expected to stay for several more years, they have a core of eight to ten players to build around.”
King proposed moving on impending free agent Tim English and injured midfielder Bailey Smith in exchange for high-value draft picks to bolster the team’s future prospects.
“I believe it would be prudent to part ways with Tim English and possibly Bailey Smith at the end of the season to secure first-round picks,” King recommended. “By consolidating their resources this year, the Bulldogs can aim to bridge the gap for their next competitive window, likely in three years, with the infusion of elite young talent.”
In addition to advocating for the development of younger players, King suggested considering the futures of veterans like Caleb Daniel and Jack Macrae in potential trade discussions.
“Exploring opportunities for players like Caleb Daniel and Jack Macrae could yield valuable assets, possibly including second-round picks,” King proposed. “Players such as Bailey Dale and Bailey Williams are currently key contributors, but the Bulldogs should strategically leverage their value.”
Reflecting on the Bulldogs’ timeline for potential premiership contention, King pointed to a future window around 2026-27.
“While the Bulldogs may be capable of making the top eight this year, they face challenges against the league’s elite teams,” King observed. “However, I see no reason why they couldn’t become contenders in two or three years.”
Former AFL player Nick Riewoldt echoed King’s sentiments, drawing parallels to Collingwood’s recent successful rebuild strategy.
“We’ve seen this model work before,” Riewoldt commented. “Collingwood made significant changes a few years ago, including moving on Grundy, Treloar, and Stephenson, before quickly rebounding and winning the premiership in 2023.”
Luke Beveridge, the Bulldogs’ coach, emphasized the importance of evolving the team’s strategy and providing opportunities for emerging talents like Ryley Sanders and Harvey Gallagher.
“We’ve faced setbacks in recent seasons,” Beveridge acknowledged after the Bulldogs’ recent match. “It’s crucial for us to evolve and to integrate experience into younger players like Sanders and Gallagher.”
As the Bulldogs navigate their season, attention remains focused on the tribunal’s decision regarding Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield’s ban following a contentious tackle incident involving Carlton’s Sam Walsh during a recent match.
