AFL 2022: GWS Giants recruiting manager Adrian Caruso says this year’s top draftees have a greater ‘go-home’ risk

The Giants have put the AFL and this year’s draft in the spotlight, with recruiting manager Adrian Caruso suggesting several top contenders are too risky for them to pick.

Giants national recruiting manager Adrian Caruso says several of this year’s likely top draftees have a ‘go-home’ risk. Picture: Getty Images

The Giants’ decision to pursue and ultimately score the No.1 pick in this year’s draft was based on the heightened go-home risk with several of the top contenders.

Greater Western Sydney list boss Jason McCartney and national recruiting manager Adrian Caruso separately outlined on Wednesday the different way they needed to prepare for, and target, the draft to most clubs.

Caruso stopped short of saying they were “prevented” from drafting certain prospects but said they weighed up the potential rewards and risks.

“I would say there’s an element of risk associated with some players and it’s up to us to work out whether or not it’s worth that risk,” Caruso said.

“I think as a recruiting manager; we’ve got to do all our work on these boys and try and work out whether or not we think ultimately they’ll stay long term.

Tanner Bruhn will play for Geelong next year after requesting a trade only two seasons into his career as a Giant.

“There is a tipping point in your talent order, though, when you do pick someone who might take on a bit more risk and might not be someone you think would stay but you rate their talent at a level above everyone else.

“Case in point, Tanner Bruhn (who requested a trade to Geelong after his two-year draft contract). But if we just ignored anyone we thought there was a risk on; there wouldn’t be a heap of players left.”

The Giants are strongly linked with Greater Western Victoria Rebels key forward Aaron Cadman, who is not considered as likely to want to return to his home state as some of his peers.

Caruso did not reveal whether Cadman was his preference at No.1, or if they would bid on Brisbane Lions’ father-son gun Will Ashcroft, but they could look to ink the player they select to a longer contract.

Collingwood, for example, signed father-son star Nick Daicos to a four-year initial deal, double the typical draft contract.

Aaron Cadman (left) looms as the Giants’ pick at No.1 in this year’s draft. Picture: Getty Images

But Caruso said it was up to the AFL to decide if any draft disadvantages for clubs such as GWS needed to be fixed.

“Obviously, from our point of view, it makes it challenging when you do have early picks and feel as though there are some players in the top end who are not as open to moving,” he said.

“We’ve had the scenario in the last four or five years where there’s usually one or two guys you’ve got some concerns over.

“Some will actually go out and say it to you, or their managers will say it to you ... others are a bit more subtle and it’s more you have to work out whether or not it would be the right fit.

“This year, though, it does feel like there are a few more near the top we would have some concern over and that’s why we’ve traded out.”

Jason Horne-Francis forced a trade out of North Melbourne to Port Adelaide after just one year. Picture: Brenton Edwards

No.1 pick Jason Horne-Francis’ decision to request a trade after only one year at North Melbourne coincided with Bruhn departing after two seasons and Collingwood’s Ollie Henry wanting out after the same period.

“I don’t know if it’s a trend where it’s just going to keep growing and growing and growing, or whether this is just one year where it feels that way,” Caruso said.

“Some of these guys we’re talking about in the top end; we could actually draft them and they might be fine.

“But, for us, it’s about whether or not we’re prepared to take on that risk, or whether or not we’re prepared to pick someone we feel might be a bit more of a sure bet.”