The Gold Coast Suns have declared they will look at "every option" – including a swap of selections for the No.1 draft pick – should that be the best way for them to emerge as a power.
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The Suns, enduring a rugged season because of injury and poor form, shape as one of the more intriguing players in this year's national draft.
At it stands, they are likely to have the third or fourth overall selection, and will also have Melbourne's first-round pick as a result of a splitting of picks last year. That means they are likely to have two selections in the top eight. The Suns will also boast four second-round picks, having secured these from Port Adelaide, Richmond and Fremantle – plus their own.
Essendon or Brisbane appear likely to have the No.1 pick this year – a prize which could be decided when they clash in round 18 at Etihad Stadium.
The Bombers have already declared they will consider all options should they have the top pick, which could involve a swap of picks or a trade for an established talent.
There is a school of thought the Dons should consider a deal with the Suns should they finish last. In a bid to fast-track their rebuild in what shapes as an even and strong first round, the Bombers could offer a deal, including their No.1 pick for the Suns' numbers 4 and 8, giving them two selections in the top 10.
Draft experts consider Suns academy player Jack Bowes, an exciting midfielder, as the best available player. Should they trade for the top pick, the Suns then could secure the best boy outside of their academy with the top pick, and wait for a rival club to bid for Bowes – potentially from second-bottom placed side – whom they would have the ranking points to match and secure.
The Suns also have first dibs on another of their highly-rated academy prospects, midfielder Brad Scheer.
Suns list manager Scott Clayton said the expansion franchise had a strong hand.
"We are certainly strategising what we will do. We certainly have a strong hand. We have got six picks inside 30 probably," he said.
"Besides our two first rounds, we have four second rounds, tied to Richmond, Port Adelaide and Fremantle, who at this stage are all outside the eight, as are we.
"We are open to do whatever is best for us, so we have a strong hand.
"There are quite a few clubs who would like more picks in the first two rounds in this draft.
"There would be no surprise that there may be some splitting of picks because there is good depth in this draft. We would look at every option, and there will be many options because people are getting excited about this draft – the first two rounds."
Bowes, who at 187cm is an elite talent who can play in several positions, moved from Cairns to the Gold Coast last year to further his career. He has impressed during the national championships.
During the trade period last year, the Demons swapped pick numbers 6, 29 and their first-round selection this year for picks 3, 10 and 43. This allowed them to secure Clayton Oliver and Sam Weideman inside the top 10.
