The Lions have elected to make use of the compensation pick (which will be activated at the end of round one) gained from the Western Bulldogs in exchange for Justin Sherman during last year’s Trade Period.
The draft selection was originally acquired by the Bulldogs as compensation for Jarrod Harbrow’s decision to sign with the Gold Coast as an uncontracted player.
This means the Lions will receive an additional draft selection at this year’s AFL Draft. The pick will be activated at the end of round one. The Lions also have the option of trading this selection to another club during this year’s Trade Week.
Lions National Talent Manager Rob Kerr said the decision made after reviewing the current structure of the Club’s playing list.
“We are looking to build the depth of our playing list and feel there is a benefit in bringing a new player in at the end of this year as opposed to waiting until the end of 2012,” Kerr said.
“This pick will ensure we have the opportunity to select two kids in the top 27 or so in this year’s Draft.”
The Lions have kept hold of their additional compensation pick which was received last year following the loss of Michael Rischitelli to the Gold Coast, which will be kept for use in future seasons.
This remaining compensation selection can be activated at either the 2012, 2013 or 2014 AFL National Drafts. However, any club wishing to use their compensation picks must notify the AFL of its intention to use the selection by the last Tuesday of that particular year, prior to the start of the AFL Premiership Season.
“Retaining our other compensation pick means that the Club will have extra exposure to an upcoming Draft over the next few years,” Kerr said.
All Clubs were given until 2pm today to decide whether to activate their compensation picks at the 2011 AFL National Draft. The Lions were the only Club to activate a compensation pick.
