When Kieran Collins' name was yet to be read out at pick 26 at Tuesday's national draft, it was an easy choice for the Western Bulldogs to take the Victorian with their second selection.

Rated in the top two to three key defenders in this year's draft pool, Kieran Collins went into this year's national draft as a top-20 prospect.

The All-Australian junior stands at 194cm and had attracted attention from both Carlton and Hawthorn.

Collins said that despite nerves building as the draft went into the second round, he was delighted to hear his name called out at selection 26.

"I was very nervous... It was possible that I would go to Carlton or Hawthorn and to slip through to the 20s and be called out by the Dogs is a really awesome feeling.

"I'm very excited and relieved to hear my name called out and I'm looking forward to joing the Doggies."

The Dandenong junior excels in a one-on-one contest and has a proven ability in stopping opposition power forwards.

On first glance the big-bodied 17-year-old looks as if he's been in the AFL system for years, with his size being one of his biggest attributes.

Bulldogs Recruiting Manager Simon Dalrymple said he was pleased that Collins was still available at the Club's second selection.

"It's a fantastic result for us, he's a really strong character from a great family... It was just a great result to get Kieran."