All eyes of the AFL world turned to Sydney on Thursday November 24 as the next generation of footballers were admitted to the big leagues via the 2011 AFL National Draft.
The Western Bulldogs had four picks in the draft - selections 17 (First Round), 39 (Second Round), 49 (Third Round) and 57 (Third Round).
2011 rookie listed players Luke Dahlhaus and Matthew Panos were elevated to the senior list with selections 70 and 73 in the draft.
Live 2011 AFL Draft Updates:
7:00pm - AFL National Draft underway.
7:23pm - Jonathon Patton announced number one draft pick at the 2011 AFL National Draft.
7:36pm - Clay Smith is drafted to the Western Bulldogs with Pick 17. Smith is a tough inside left footer with an insatiable desire to win the ball in the air or on the ground. He is relentless at the opposition when they are in possession. He also has the capacity to win contests when outnumbered, which was a feature of his play representing Vic Country in the NAB AFL U18 Championships, at which he won All Australian honours. He had an excellent year with Gippsland Power, averaging 26.3 disposals, 4.5 clearances and 5.4 tackles.
7:41pm - Michael Talia is drafted to the Western Bulldogs with Pick 39. Talia represented Vic Metro at the NAB AFL U18 Championships, providing good run and drive from the defensive end, averaging 16.2 disposals and 5.5 marks. He is extremely good one-on-one and a very good overhead mark. He capped off the championships with All Australian honours. He tested impressively at the NAB AFL Draft Combine, recording a time of 3.01 seconds for the 20m sprint and a score of 14.2 in the beep test
7:51pm - Daniel Pearce is drafted to the Western Bulldogs with Pick 49. Pearce is an athletic midfielder with terrific natural leap and marking ability. He can play in a range of positions and had an excellent year with the Chargers finishing 4th in the best and fairest. he has a basketball background with Bulleen Boomers, which has helped develop his decision-making and clean ball-handling.
7:59pm - Tory Dickson is drafted to the Western Bulldogs with Pick 57. Dickson comes to the Whitten Oval from the Bendigo Bombers, is a strong hit-up target that will look to hold down a key role in the Bulldogs forward structure.
8:04pm - The Western Bulldogs upgrade Luke Dahlhaus and Matthew Panos to the Club's senior list with picks 70 and 73 respectively. With those picks, the Bulldogs conclude their involvement in the 2011 AFL National Draft.
