Essendon could bid No.1 draft pick on northern academy stars in surprise draft move

ESSENDON is likely to sacrifice the prestige of crowning next month’s No.1 draft pick by bidding on academy stars Jack Bowes and Will Setterfield.

Will Setterfield is eligible to join GWS as an academy pick.

ESSENDON is likely to sacrifice the prestige of crowning next month’s No.1 draft pick by bidding on academy stars Jack Bowes and Will Setterfield.

If both bids are matched, the Bombers would watch Gold Coast secure Bowes and Greater Western Sydney take Setterfield before selecting ­either Hugh McCluggage or Andy McGrath at No.3.

The move would force the expansion clubs to pay premium prices for the prized midfielders or watch them go to Essendon. Bowes, Gold Coast’s first star academy prospect, told the Herald Sun the Suns had not given any draft assurances and he would ­happily relocate to play for the Bombers.

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The Suns have invested five years of development into the inside-outside midfielder, who has been likened to Brisbane Lions champion Simon Black.

Bowes ran personal bests in the 20m sprint and 3km time- trial at last week’s draft camp.

“They (Gold Coast) have been immense for my development,” Bowes said.

“They’ve helped me relocate and move away from my family, they helped me get to a new school and they’ve ­obviously opened up their facilities.

Jack Bowes in action for the Allies. Picture: Mark Stewart

Will Setterfield in action for the Allies. Picture: Mark Stewart

“If it wasn’t for them, I don’t think I’d have a pathway.

“Everything in Queensland now is based around the Lions or Suns academy.”

Asked if the Suns’ involvement made him desperately want to represent them, Bowes said: “It’d be nice to play for any club.

“The goal was to get drafted and whether that’s Gold Coast or down in Melbourne, I’d be happy to go and chase my dreams.

“I’m happy with any scenario. I’ve already moved away from home (Cairns), so relocating isn’t the worst thing.”

Bowes took a video on his phone of Black describing his strengths as a player on Fox Footy’s Open Mike this year, believing they resonated with what he had been taught.

“That was the best thing I’ve ever heard in my life,” he said.

“Dad was watching in Cairns and I texted him. He said, ‘That was unbelievable’.”

Jack Bowes at home in Cairns with his dad Wayne. PICTURE: JUSTIN BRIERTY

Setterfield, from Albury, boarded at Caulfield Grammar this season and played at Sandringham Dragons.

He missed the Dragons’ TAC Cup premiership with a shoulder injury, which also ruled him out of physical ­testing at the draft camp.

The No.1 pick is still on the trade table, but Essendon is yet to receive a formal offer.

The Giants have discussed trading for it to ensure they don’t miss out on Sandringham speedster McGrath, who would help replace half-back Heath Shaw when the veteran retires.

Last year the Giants took academy guns Hopper and Matthew Kennedy cheaply after both players were bid on below their market value.