bornadog
06-10-2008, 12:07 PM
By Jennifer Witham
11:22 AM Mon 06 October, 2008
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/mmsalih/draft__1__gallery__598x400.jpg
Ayce Cordy is destined for the Western Bulldogs
THE WESTERN Bulldogs will use their first round draft pick in order to secure the services of ruck prospect Ayce Cordy.
The young tall, who was eligible to be claimed by the Dogs under the father-son rule, will cost the club selection No.14 in the NAB AFL Draft after St Kilda offered its first round draft pick of 13 for the former Geelong Falcon.
Under new father-son drafting rules, rival clubs have the opportunity to bid for a nominated player, with the original club then required to use its next highest selection to claim him.
The son of former Bulldog Brian, who played 124 games for the club between 1981-88, had been touted as a possible top five draft pick, owing to his impressive agility and ability despite his 202cm height.
Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade said the Dogs aren't surprised at the hefty price tag attached to Cordy, but are more than happy to part with their top pick in order to recruit him.
"That's what we thought from the start. There was no way known [other clubs] would let him through to the second round," Eade said at Telstra Dome on Monday.
"It was just depending on where we finished on the ladder, and the fact we had pick 14, which we think makes him a cheap buy for us.
"We think he'll be a 200-game player, which is great for us."
Eade said the Bulldogs are pleased they've secured Cordy, who will add to the club's stock of emerging key position/ruck prospects, over a month before the November 29 draft day.
"This draft is really one for talls, and Ayce is up there with the best of them," he said.
"The fact we've got him now is fantastic, and he'll be able to have a good pre-season under his belt straight away."
The Dogs' coach also refused to rule out a possible senior debut for Cordy within the next year, but said it's unlikely.
"The expectation of all the young lads is not high, because it is a pretty tough competition," he said.
"He needs a bit of weight on him, so we'll take a long-term approach as we've done with all our young lads. The thing is, it will be what's best for him.
"He's had a couple of injuries this year, so we'll take it slowly, but he's certainly got enough ability to play seniors next year.
"But, if he spends all next year at Williamstown, that's no big loss for us."
Prior to Cordy the Dogs had only had two father-son selections – Luke Darcy (father David) and David Round (father Barry).
"It's a great rule. I know there's some people who say it should be scrapped, but I think there's still a bit of emotion, passion and loyalty around still in our game," he said.
"The fact we have a father-son is great for the club."
Exclusive to AFL BigPond Network
11:22 AM Mon 06 October, 2008
http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa198/mmsalih/draft__1__gallery__598x400.jpg
Ayce Cordy is destined for the Western Bulldogs
THE WESTERN Bulldogs will use their first round draft pick in order to secure the services of ruck prospect Ayce Cordy.
The young tall, who was eligible to be claimed by the Dogs under the father-son rule, will cost the club selection No.14 in the NAB AFL Draft after St Kilda offered its first round draft pick of 13 for the former Geelong Falcon.
Under new father-son drafting rules, rival clubs have the opportunity to bid for a nominated player, with the original club then required to use its next highest selection to claim him.
The son of former Bulldog Brian, who played 124 games for the club between 1981-88, had been touted as a possible top five draft pick, owing to his impressive agility and ability despite his 202cm height.
Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade said the Dogs aren't surprised at the hefty price tag attached to Cordy, but are more than happy to part with their top pick in order to recruit him.
"That's what we thought from the start. There was no way known [other clubs] would let him through to the second round," Eade said at Telstra Dome on Monday.
"It was just depending on where we finished on the ladder, and the fact we had pick 14, which we think makes him a cheap buy for us.
"We think he'll be a 200-game player, which is great for us."
Eade said the Bulldogs are pleased they've secured Cordy, who will add to the club's stock of emerging key position/ruck prospects, over a month before the November 29 draft day.
"This draft is really one for talls, and Ayce is up there with the best of them," he said.
"The fact we've got him now is fantastic, and he'll be able to have a good pre-season under his belt straight away."
The Dogs' coach also refused to rule out a possible senior debut for Cordy within the next year, but said it's unlikely.
"The expectation of all the young lads is not high, because it is a pretty tough competition," he said.
"He needs a bit of weight on him, so we'll take a long-term approach as we've done with all our young lads. The thing is, it will be what's best for him.
"He's had a couple of injuries this year, so we'll take it slowly, but he's certainly got enough ability to play seniors next year.
"But, if he spends all next year at Williamstown, that's no big loss for us."
Prior to Cordy the Dogs had only had two father-son selections – Luke Darcy (father David) and David Round (father Barry).
"It's a great rule. I know there's some people who say it should be scrapped, but I think there's still a bit of emotion, passion and loyalty around still in our game," he said.
"The fact we have a father-son is great for the club."
Exclusive to AFL BigPond Network