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SYDNEY SWANS recruiting guru Kinnear Beatson says his club's recruiting strategy drove the decision to overlook Josh Dunkley – son of former Swans veteran Andrew – in this year's NAB AFL Draft.
Andrew Dunkley played 217 games for the Swans, and Josh had nominated the Swans as his club of choice under the AFL's father-son rule, but when the Western Bulldogs made a bid for the teenager with pick No.25, Beatson opted not to match it.
The move surprised some but Beatson told AFL.com.au that although the decision was hard, the Swans' needs came first.
"It was a difficult one but that's what the bidding system is, and when the bid came up from the Bulldogs, we had to have a look and try and work out who was going to be there," Beatson said.
"We'd mentioned to Josh that it was a possibility so he wouldn't be surprised by that.
"That’s just what footy is at the moment with list sizes of 38, that's what list management is – you have to take the emotion out of it.
"Our main strategy in the draft was to try to improve our kicking skills, we lost 'Jetts' (Lewis Jetta) and 'Shawry' (Rhyce Shaw), and (Nick) Malceski the year before, and we were a bit light on for guys who could really kick it.
"These days in footy you have to be able to maintain possession so that was a real focus for us."
Selection No. 3 - Callum Mills (Matching Melbourne's bid)
"We're really pleased to be able to get Callum, we rate him so highly. The footy that he played for our reserves team in the NEAFL has been terrific. We think he's an elite talent and has really strong leadership potential." – recruiting manager Kinnear Beatson
Selection No. 51 – Tyrone Leonardis
"A left-footed wingman with a nice burst of speed, who can cut out of traffic and has a really good kick into the forward 50." – Kinnear Beatson
Selection No. 56 – Jordan Dawson
"Jordan is a medium sized forward who ended up playing some good football with Sturt at league level in the SANFL. Has really strong hands overhead and has a booming left foot kick." – Kinnear Beatson
