BY MICHAEL ESPOSITO
A REPLACEMENT for Callan Ward, a highly-rated defender and a mature age forward were among the players picked up by the Western Bulldogs in the GWS-dominated AFL draft last week.
Hard-nosed midfielder Clay Smith was the Dogs’ first pick at No. 17, while Calder Cannons product Michael Talia was a steal at pick 39.
Former basketballer Daniel Pearce was selected at No.49, and former Bendigo Bomber Tory Dickson was the first VFL-listed to be taken in the draft at pick 57.
Bulldogs recruitment manager Simon Dalrymple said Smith, who played for Gippsland in the TAC Cup this year, was selected to fill the void left by fellow inside midfielder Callan Ward, who went to GWS.
Dalrymple rated Talia a “five per cent chance” to slip to pick 39, considering the defender’s AFL under 18 championships form and his All Australian selection.
“We did all our work on him in terms of our investigations and interviews and reviewing his testing results and so forth, and thought that he wouldn’t get there,” Dalrymple said.
“We think in a full time system and a really strong development focus from our coaching staff, led by Brendan McCartney he can really go well in our system.”
Calder Cannons coach Martin Allison suggested Talia could be ready play senior footy as early as next season.
“He is one who has a body that can withstand the physical pressures of AFL footy and I wouldn’t be surprised if he plays two or three games,” Allison said.
“We saw the Bulldogs in 2011 with Tom Liberatore and Mitchell Wallis. They aren’t frightened to give kids a go. I don’t see that Michael Talia will be any different to those types of players.
“He is a big unit and he will be able to nullify the tall forwards. He is very good at rebounding out of back 50’s and attacking through the midfield.”
Dickson was one of the feel-good stories of the draft. The 24-year-old was given a chance at AFL level after kicking 48 goals with VFL side Bendigo this season.
Bulldogs’ new assistant coach Shannon Grant, who coached Dickson at Bendigo this year, had big wraps on the versatile forward, and helped convince the Bulldogs recruiting staff that he was a good fit.
“After doing all our due diligence on him, watching the vision, reviewing all the data, interviewing and testing him, we felt that he’s a player that pretty much fits the model that Brendan’s brought to the club, and it fits the demographic on our list in that we’re a bit light-on in that age group,” Dalrymple said.
The Bulldogs used picks 70 and 73 to upgrade Luke Dahlhaus and Matthew Panos to the senior list.
Dahlhaus played 11 games for the Dogs this season and earned praise for his electrifying speed and ferocious attack on the ball.
Panos has been a longer-term project, and really began to show his upside in the latter half of the season with Williamstown.
“His first year at Williamstown he was up and down in terms of selection, so he couldn’t get that consistency, and it was often due to circumstances outside his control,” Dalrymple said.
“Just getting his confidence and his self-belief up by playing consistently in the firsts and then being able to add another string to his bow playing down in the backline was good for his footy education.
“His really deserved his promotion in that his last pre-season was outstanding, and he’s basically got on the list through work rate. It’s a real credit to him.
“As was shown in the VFL grand final, he only needs the ball three or four times inside 50. He’s the top three in terms of kicking at the club.”
THE RECRUITS
Pick 17: Clay Smith (Gippsland Power) 180cm, 78kg, Midfielder (74185_03)
Tough in-and-under left-footed midfielder who doesn’t back out of a contest.. Represented Vic Country at the AFL Under 18 Championships and received All-Australian honours.
Dalrymple says: We’re rapt to get Clay Smith at pick 17. He’s a really tough midfielder who tackles really well and wins clearances.
Pick 39: Michael Talia (Calder Cannons) 192cm, 88kg, Defender (74185_02)
Another All-Australian from the AFL Under 18 Championships. Great strength for his age, fast, and has a good engine.
Dalrymple says: He’s a full-back with a strong body for an 18-year-old who can play on a variety of opponents because he’s got some closing speed as well as some strength to play in the bigger forwards.
Pick 49: Daniel Pearce (Oakleigh Chargers) 181cm, 76kg, Forward (74185_01)
Athletically gifted, with a superb natural leap. Former basketballer who first played footy at age 13. Can play down back, in the middle or up forward.
Dalrymple says: We thought we’d have to pick him at 39 and we were rapt he was still there at 49. He’s pretty raw in that he hasn’t been involved in any state programs, but was in the leadership group at Oakleigh Chargers.
Pick 57 – Tory Dickson (Bendigo Bombers) Forward (Pic to come)
Strong hit-up target who can also play in the midfield. At 24, will add some maturity to the Bulldogs’ forward set-up.
Dalrymple says: In that 24 to 27 age group, there’s not a huge quantity of players. The stronger body of Tory Dickson after losing Callan Ward and Sam Reid was an important factor. We think in a full time system with his attitude and his athletic qualities, he can really prosper.
