Magpies facing draft shuffle

COLLINGWOOD could be cornered into using picks from next year’s draft to secure running machine Isaac Quaynor and father-son gem Will Kelly.

Adelaide is set to spoil the Pies’ party by placing early bids and sending Collingwood into draft points deficit for the first time under the AFL’s new bid- ding system. The Magpies have picks 41, 44, 51 and 57 in this year’s draft but faces a points shortfall if Adelaide bids as early as No. 8 or 13 for Quaynor.

To make up the deficit, the Magpies would have to take a hit in next year’s draft and shuffle its second-round pick down the order.

They have already traded away their first-round pick in next year’s draft as part of the Dayne Beams deal. Adelaide could then double-up by bidding its No.21 pick on Kelly, whose older brother Jake has played 53 games for the Crows.

The Crows are also expected to bid their No.8 pick on Sydney’s Nick Blakey and have a history of playing the villain by bidding early draft picks to keep clubs honest.

Geelong (No.12) could make a similar move and bid on North Melbourne academy star Tarryn Thomas. The Cats also like big-bodied onballer Jackson Hately as they start to plan for life after Joel Selwood.

Western Bulldogs are considering making the first live trade under the AFL’s new rules and swapping their No. 7 selection for a pair of firstround picks.

The Dogs are confident they can secure Vic Metro midfield star Bailey Smith with a pick in between No. 7-11 and want to then draft a second player before matching a bid for father-son onballer Rhylee West. Non-Victorian clubs are set to pass on Smith but the Bulldogs must snap him up before Geelong enters the draft at No. 12.

Smith and 202cm swingman Ben King toured the Dogs’ Whitten Oval facilities yesterday.

Barring a last-minute backflip, St Kilda is expected to take the plunge on 202cm spearhead Max King at No.4, leaving twin brother Ben available for Gold Coast at No.6 as a Steven May replacement.

Hawthorn is circling Liam Stocker and Jack Gunstonclone Noah Gown late in the draft order.

AFL discards Mav Weller, Corey Wagner and Keegan Brooksby yesterday withdrew from the draft to sign as rookies under a new league ruling.