• The 2016 NAB AFL Draft kicks off from 7pm AEDT
• Follow the action LIVE on AFL.com.au's Draft Tracker
GREATER Western Sydney says it never felt at risk of losing picks in this year's NAB AFL Draft as it awaits a Commission hearing into the Lachie Whitfield affair.
The Giants head into Friday night's draft with a number of strong selections that will likely be used to bring in a group of highly-rated Academy players.
The club was this week charged with conduct unbecoming for its role in the long-running Whitfield saga and faced the potential loss of picks in the early rounds.
However, football manager Wayne Campbell said no penalties were discussed with the club beyond Whitfield's six-month suspension and the 12-month bans for past officials Graeme Allan and Craig Lambert.
"There was never anything put to us that we wouldn't have (those picks)," Campbell told AFL.com.au's NAB AFL Draft Countdown Show.
"I'm really proud of the stance the club has made to stand up for something they strongly believe in, that the penalties that were given to the three guys are enough," he said.
"The club did everything it could in its power to make sure the situation didn't get any worse.
"Now we get to front the Commission, which I think is a great result."
Campbell said Whitfield was relieved his role in the saga was over and the midfielder was preparing to train away from Sydney for a period before returning to the club in early March.
The Giants hold selections No.2 and No.15 as well as eight further picks between No.37 and No.59, leaving it well stocked with bidding points.
Campbell was tight-lipped when asked if he expected Essendon to bid on Academy star Will Setterfield, possibly forcing the Giants to take him with their first pick in the draft.
There is further intrigue with the Giants' academy players after Isaac Cumming, who was expected to be picked in the second round, received a late invite to the official Draft function in Sydney.
"I think where this has happened before they've been called out a little earlier than they might have been," Campbell said.
"If he goes a bit earlier than people think, there could potentially be three first-round picks out of NSW."
Campbell said the Giants would still have the required points to secure all of their academy targets if clubs bid on their products early.
He said he expected a resolution on the controversial Riverina academy zone at the December 13 Commission meeting.
"We think the academies are working and we're producing lots of players," Campbell said.
"Whether there's a different mechanism for them to then enter the senior list of either GWS or Gold Coast, that's up for debate.
"(But) you would think there would be a moratorium of five or six years."
