The Western Bulldogs have rounded out the 2013 AFL trade period with a late move.
The developing Dogs added youngster Sam Darley, a promising utility from the GWS Giants, in a swap for pick 78.
The deal went down in the last hour of what has been a long and drawn out trade period.
Darley, a Tasmanian, was taken by the Giants as a highly-rated 17 year old in 2010.
In the Giants’ two years in the AFL, the 20-year-old managed 13 games, including an eye catching 20-possession performance against Sydney Swans at the SCG in round 16.
Darley’s main asset is his elite foot skills, particularly out of the back half, which he showcased with the Giants during his short stay.
As a teenager, he was used in the Tasmanian under-18s in a midfield role, displaying good outside run and attracting a lot of the football.
Bulldogs list manager Jason McCartney said it was Darley’s late season form that put him on the radar.
“Sam showed some real promise at AFL level late in the year in shutdown roles, but also provided some flexibility with his outside run and precise foot skills,” he said.
“This is a great outcome for Sam and the club.”
It was a successful trade period for the Bulldogs with confirmation earlier in the week that the trade for former Essendon forward Stewart Crameri had been executed, with pick 26 going in the opposite direction.
The Bulldogs’ forward line will feature five players – Daniel Giansiracusa (36), Crameri (30), Luke Dahlhaus (28), Tory Dickson and Liam Jones (22 each) – who kicked 20 or more goals in 2013.
Add to that late-season bloomers Tom Campbell and newly signed Jarrad Grant, the possible return of Shaun Higgins from long-term injuries and youngsters Lachie Hunter, Jake Stringer, Ayce Cordy and Fletcher Roberts, and the Bulldogs selection panel could have a few headaches next season.
