The Western Bulldogs and the Challenges of the New AFL Draft Rules
The introduction of the new AFL draft bidding rules in 2026 could pose significant challenges for the Western Bulldogs. As the league prepares to implement these changes, the club may find itself in a difficult position, particularly when it comes to balancing its pursuit of high-value players with the need to secure points for emerging talents.
One such talent is Khaled El Souki, a small forward from the Dogs Next Generation Academy. El Souki has made a strong start to the 2026 Talent League season, scoring six goals in a recent match and showing consistent improvement throughout the month. His performance has drawn comparisons to Kozzie Pickett, with talent scouts highlighting his ability to shrug off tackles, remain composed with the ball, and contribute both in attack and at the centre bounce.
Reuben William, the talent lead for the Western Jets, praised El Souki’s development, noting that he has worked on areas of improvement and turned them into strengths. “He’s been a pleasure to have and his growth has been really good to see,” William said. “He gets around his teammates, is an unselfish player, and gets his rewards off the back of that.”
However, the Bulldogs face a unique challenge in navigating the new draft rules. Unlike other clubs such as Carlton, Essendon, and Port Adelaide, which are expected to have more flexibility in their bidding strategies, the Bulldogs may struggle to balance their resources. This is particularly true when considering their pursuit of Zak Butters, a Power star who has formed a close friendship with captain Marcus Bontempelli.
Acquiring Butters could require the Bulldogs to give up as many as three first-round picks, which would significantly limit their ability to compete for El Souki. Additionally, the potential introduction of a 30% tax for top-four teams adds another layer of complexity, as the Bulldogs are expected to be among the leading contenders in this category.
Despite these challenges, El Souki remains a promising prospect. He is currently viewed as an early second-round pick, but many believe he is the second-best genuine small forward in the crop, behind Gippslander Marlon Neocleous. With the increasing importance of powerful small forwards who can contribute in the midfield, El Souki’s stock could continue to rise.
The Impact of the New Draft Rules
The new draft rules are likely to change the way clubs approach the selection process. Rather than stockpiling later picks, teams will now be compelled to use only two picks to accumulate enough points to match a bid. This shift could create opportunities for rivals to target El Souki, especially given the Bulldogs’ current predicament.
El Souki spent part of the pre-season with the Western Bulldogs and has taken his fitness to the next level. His improved running power and consistency have not gone unnoticed. “His centre bounce stuff is really good. He’s very impactful,” William added. “His running power has been the main area of improvement. He’s become fitter in the off-season and he’s always had a great attitude but that has gone to another level too.”
This kind of development is reminiscent of Latrelle Pickett, who was not on the radar last year but was selected early in the 2025 draft. Other examples include Nick Watson, Isaac Kako, and Joe Berry, all of whom were taken early and made an immediate impact.
Strengthening the Small Forward Position
While the Bulldogs have several small forwards in their squad, there is still room for improvement. Cody Weightman has been injured, while Josh Dolan is a higher forward. Arthur Jones has struggled to establish himself consistently, and Laitham Vandermeer and Lachie Bramble are only serviceable options.
The emergence of Rhylee West as one of the most underrated small forwards in the competition highlights the importance of this position. The Bulldogs could benefit from adding another high-quality small forward to their lineup.
Industry Concerns Over the New Rules
There is frustration within the industry over the lack of finalization of the new rules. Many believe that implementing them this year is premature, as clubs spend years planning their list strategies. The Bulldogs, in particular, would prefer if the rules were delayed, as they are currently navigating a complex landscape in the lead-up to the 2026 draft.
In summary, the Western Bulldogs face a challenging path as they prepare for the new AFL draft rules. Balancing their pursuit of key players like Zak Butters with the need to secure points for emerging talents like Khaled El Souki will be crucial in the coming months.
