THE WESTERN Bulldogs believe their early access to father-son recruits Mitch Wallis and Tom Liberatore has given them a huge advantage in preparing the pair to play senior football.

The Dogs have had the two Calder Cannons in their development program for the past two years after identifying them as potential father-son draftees.

Recruiting and football partnerships manager Simon Dalrymple said the ability to work with the boys before they were officially committed to by the club on Tuesday was hugely important.

"We've done two years of development with them and just seeing their footy develop over the last two years ... we've got medical history on them for two years, they know our game plan," he said.

"They know all the coaches and all the players. They've got programs to go right now and they can concentrate on their exams knowing they're going to our club."

The Dogs will recruit Wallis with their first pick in the NAB AFL Draft, currently No.22, after Port Adelaide bid its round-one selection.

Liberatore has been secured with their second pick, currently No.40, following the Sydney Swans' bid for the inside midfielder.

Dalrymple said while it was never easy to give up high draft selections, the boys' performances over the past two years had made the decision easier.

"Time will tell but at this stage we couldn't be more happy," he said.

Liberatore described himself as a similar player to his father, Brownlow medallist, Tony and said he was honoured to be drafted alongside Wallis, who he had been mates with all his life.

He also said the past two years had helped him to a degree he couldn't explain.

"There have been so many different opinions that have helped me out in different areas, especially in regards to skills and conditioning and the actual side of the game, as well as off the field as well," he said.

"It's been a real help getting to know the players as well."

Liberatore said he wasn't fussed to be selected behind Wallis, who recently won the best on ground medal for his performance in the Calder Cannons' grand final win.

Wallis said it was a dream come true to be drafted but was realistic the hard work was only beginning.

"People say the easy stuff is getting drafted; it's when you get to a club and you've got to do that pre-season and earn the respect of the players that the hard work actually starts," he said.

"It's my ambition to play next year but I think a lot of things have to fall into place, like my body - I need to improve my strength and endurance and gain the respect of the players if I want to play next year."

The Bulldogs will have another two chances to benefit from the father-son rule in the coming years with 15-year-old pair Will Beasley and Lachie Hunter on their radar.

Beasley (son of 154-gamer Simon) and Hunter (son of 130-gamer Mark) will be available in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft.