CARLTON has taken former Bulldog Jason Tutt with the only selection in the NAB AFL Pre-season Draft.

 

The 23-year-old pacy forward from Canberra played 26 games and kicked 22 goals for the Bulldogs in four seasons, but delisted himself at the end of the season to smooth his passage to the Blues.

 

The Blues had hoped to secure Tutt from the Bulldogs in exchange for a fourth-round pick during the trade period, but were unable to strike a deal.

 

Tutt adds to the goalkicking mix at the Blues, who have turned over half their playing list in the past two years. 

 

With their first pick in the rookie draft, the Blues selected Billy Gowers, son of former Hawthorn premiership wingman Andy Gowers, now that club's director of football, a pick Blues recruiting manager Shane Rogers said was down to selecting the best available player.

 

Their third selection was Tom Fields, the son of former Essendon champion Neville Fields.

 

Rogers explained the Blues' rookie picks contained a bit of everything - talent, leadership, needs and projects. 

Recruiting manager Shane Rogers said: "We think he will be a high half-forward who will push up to the wing. He kicks the ball well and is an elite runner who will play lots of senior footy."

 

Recruiting manager Shane Rogers said: "A bouncing half-back/wing, who can run and has the unique ability to bounce the ball with either hand when he runs. He also kicks well on both feet and with some coaching and development will be a good player. He's very athletic."

 

Recruiting manager Shane Rogers said: "He captained the West Australian under-16 and AIS teams so leadership is a real strength for him. He was probably disappointed not to be drafted and will help us with leadership profile. He was an inside mid, but a bit injured during the carnival, but he gets his chance now."

 

Recruiting manager Shane Rogers said: "He's from Queensland but was never taken by Essendon as a father-son selection, so he got off his bum and went to the SANFL. He's a booming kick, and was a reason why South Adelaide had a good season. At 21 he's ready to go and is able to play a key position, across half-back or the wing. He's versatile for his size."

Recruiting manager Shane Rogers said: "We rated him when he was 17 but he then chose athletics at a high level for the next few years. The same as a few blokes, he can play half-back, wing and half-forward. He has really good speed and endurance, but now he just needs to needs to get used to getting hit by bigger bodies after being out of the game for a few years."