The Western Bulldogs will enter the upcoming trade period in a strong position after deciding not to match an offer received from North Melbourne for midfielder Shaun Higgins.

The Club made the decision to take the second round compensation (currently 26) for the loss of Higgins, which was confirmed by the AFL this afternoon.

List Manager Jason McCartney said the Bulldogs possess some added flexibility to trade or draft with three picks inside the top 30.

“We believe the compensation pick for Shaun will further support our ability to trade over the next week,” McCartney said.

“Over the past three years we have, as a Club, had a clear and deliberate strategy to draft and develop and that will continue.”

“We will however be proactively looking to address specific needs throughout this trade period, and this compensation pick strengthens our position considerably.”

“We thank Shaun for the contribution he has made to the Club over the past eight years.”

Following the acquisition of a second round pick, the Bulldogs enter the upcoming trade and draft period with picks 5, 25, 26, 42 and 61 at its disposal.