Western Bulldogs steal a bargain in AFL national draft with Michael Talia

Sam Landsberger - Leader - 25 November

IT is a wonder Western Bulldogs recruiter Simon Dalrymple escaped detention and heavy police questioning at Sydney airport.

Dalrymple and his Dogs offsiders committed theft at last night's AFL National Draft, stealing touted first-round key defender Michael Talia at the bargain price of No. 39.

And as the master scout called out the Greenvale teen's name it started a waterfall of tears at Talia's family house as the passionate Doggies tribe erupted in, at first, shock, then relief, and finally jubilation.

Talia's selection was enough to spark emotion from Bulldogs royalty, with grandfather and 1954 premiership hero Harvey Stevens unable to contain his excitement.

Article in full...

Great article about the boy Talia, and it does fill you with confidence that he will do everything within his powers.

Love shit like that. LOVE IT!!!!!!!!

How good would it have been if there was a camera crew there to film the reactions?

You know, just about everything gets filmed these days. There probably IS footage.........somewhere amongst the family and friends. Would love to see it

Love the article and love what Higgins had to say about the club.

Far out...we are lucky to have him. WELCOME!

I'm a bit confused though. KPDs are gold. Can't understand how we got him so low.
They say he will be ready for next season...unbelievable coup...

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Matty Boyd much said welcome to the club, let the hard work begin.

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Love you Boydy.

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The Giants settled on 11 of their allotted 12 teens, and then passed on Talia, with recruiter Neville Stibbard not sold on his field kicking.

As a result, every Cannons training session this season Talia arrived an hour early to hone his right foot, along with first-round picks Tom Sheridan (Fremantle) and Brandon Ellis (Richmond).

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Good attitude. Let's hope he keeps that up.

Let's face it, he loves the Bulldogs so he's going to be loved right back. There's nothing better than seeing a Bulldog diehard play in the RW&B.

Great article. You best every draft, every year, how player x was a bargain, and how the club couldn't believe they were still available in the 7th round blah blah blah. But in this case I genuinely feel like we have picked up a bargain.

Just like roughy, and The Hawk - get to see a doggies supporter become a doggies player.

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Originally Posted by Greystache

Great article. You best every draft, every year, how player x was a bargain, and how the club couldn't believe they were still available in the 7th round blah blah blah. But in this case I genuinely feel like we have picked up a bargain.

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Still can't believe we got him at pick 39:)

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Originally Posted by bulldogtragic

Just like roughy, and The Hawk - get to see a doggies supporter become a doggies player.

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Douggie followed the Kangas.

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Originally Posted by Greystache

Great article. You best every draft, every year, how player x was a bargain, and how the club couldn't believe they were still available in the 7th round blah blah blah. But in this case I genuinely feel like we have picked up a bargain.

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This.

I'm pretty excited about this kid.

Morris is not a great kick, but is fantastic at playing within his limits. That's really all Talia needs to do -- he doesn't have to be a playmaker. A good, solid stopper will do us fine.

Always great to read about players who are excited about coming to the club.

Douggie followed the Kangas.


I'll just stand in the corner and mind my own business. As you were :)

Marty Allison rates him which is high praise.
Looks like both lads we picked up with our first two picks have a good work ethic