Western Bulldogs happy with draft haul in young guns Aaron Naughton and Ed Richards
THE Western Bulldogs have got their men in Aaron Naughton and Ed Richards after believing both would be selected in the draft before they had the chance to bring them to the kennel.
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THE Western Bulldogs have secured two left-footed defenders they ranked inside the draft’s top 10 after punting Jake Stringer to Essendon last month.
Recruiter Simon Dalrymple said the Dogs were “concerned” that the drop in talent at Friday night’s national draft would affect who was left at pick 16, the selection acquired after Stringer was traded.
But they pounced on 194cm intercepting defender Aaron Naughton at No.9 and then grabbed 185cm halfback dasher Ed Richards at No.16.
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“I was pessimistic (on Richards) because there were so many suitors between 10 and 15,” Dalrymple said.
“He was our next ranked player after Aaron.”
It’s understood the Dogs ranked Naughton at about No.6.
Richards was 45 minutes late to a meeting with Carlton last week, helping the Blues settle on Lochie O’Brien at No.10 instead of him.
But Dalrymple said the Carey Grammar student had an issue with his car that morning.
“From speaking to his teachers who have known him for five years, his character and his punctuality have been of the highest order,” Dalrymple said.
“We took the best player and he is also a good fit. He’ll work in well with Jason Johannisen, Shane Biggs, Bailey Williams and those guys after the retirements of Bob (Murphy) and (Matthew) Boydy.
“We’ve now restocked our back half of the ground for the future.”
Richards grew about 15cm in one year and plays with composure. The Heath Shaw-type is the grandson of Collingwood great Ron Richards and grand nephew of football icon Lou Richards.
“In Year 10 he was a tiny kid. But with that growth comes confidence and an ability to win your own ball a bit more and away you go,” Dalrymple said.
Naughton joins young key defenders Marcus Adams, Zaine Cordy, Fletcher Roberts, Kieran Collins and Lewis Young at Whitten Oval.
But Dalrymple said the Dogs simply had to take the best player at No.9.
“History is littered with examples of going too early on,” Dalrymple said.
“There’s a little bit of Easton Wood in him in the way he can intercept mark, and obviously he’s a bit bigger than Easton,” Dalrymple said.
“If he could only play on one type of player that would restrict him and his rating would’ve gone down, because we rate versatility really highly in our assessment criteria.
“He’s got the ability to intercept mark and read the cues along with his athleticism and competitiveness.
“We do have some promising key defenders, but it’s a competitive environment so the water level there is rising.”
Naughton turns 18 on Thursday but could debut next season after playing WAFL seniors this year.
The Dogs drafted Gippsland Power midfielder Callum Porter at No.74, who has won nine best-and-fairests.
“He’s a terrific country boy who loves his footy and Gippsland were glowing in their character assessment,” Dalrymple said.
“Talking to him last night I don’t think I’ve ever had a boy that, when I’ve rung to congratulate them, say to me that this is only the start and that I’m coming here to work and won’t let you down.
“It means so much to him and he’ll leave no stone unturned to make it a career.”
The Dogs will select one rookie tomorrow.
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