Last year's GWS first-round draft picks, including No.1 selection Jonathon Patton (far left). The Giants say they are prepared to part with four of their first five picks in this year's draft for the right price. Source: Getty Images
GREATER Western Sydney has lobbed a curve ball into the AFL's stalled trade period, declaring that four of its prized first-round draft picks are up for grabs.
The Giants have five of the top 13 picks and were widely expected to welcome a second wave of star teenage talent in next month's draft.
But the Herald Sun can reveal the Giants are now prepared to part with picks 2, 3, 12 and 13 in a bid to add some top-line senior players to their fledgling side.
However, the coveted No.1 choice, which has been reserved for sublime Dandenong utility Lachie Whitfield, is off-limits to rivals.
With almost $2 million extra in its salary cap, including the controversial cost of living allowance, the Giants are believed to eyeing off some of the biggest names in the game before next Friday's trade deadline.
The club has identified a key defender as a priority to help beef up its young backline.
The Giants also confirmed they have inquired about contracted Carlton ruckman Robbie Warnock.
GWS list manager Stephen Silvagni said he had already begun fruitful talks with other clubs about deals involving its top selections.
"Other than our first pick, we are certainly happy to discuss potential trades with those picks," Silvagni said.
"We would like to bring another key position player into the mix, but having said that, they are hard to find and clubs are reluctant to shift them.
"If something did come across the table that we did value, we would certainly entertain a trade."
Unlike the uncontracted player compensation selections, which have taken a year to activate, a straight trade with the Giants over the next nine days will result in immediate compensation at the national draft on November 22.
The move could give a Victorian club access to a top-three pick in the draft for the first time since Melbourne claimed Tom Scully and Jack Trengove with the No.1 and 2 choices in 2009.
After snaring 11 of the top 14 picks last year, the Giants surprise trade ploy could also help break the deadlock, or have a major influence, on other deals at a standstill around the country.
Adelaide is chasing an early pick or quality player for spearhead Kurt Tippett, who wants to go to Sydney.
Collingwood has demanded a higher selection than Melbourne's No. 20 pick in exchange for forward Chris Dawes.
With some bumper talent at the top end of this year's draft, including classy midfielder Jimmy Toumpas, and combative ruckman Brodie Grundy, Silvagni said the Giants would not let go of its golden early choices cheaply.
"What needs to be offered up needs to be equivalent to those potential players who are going to play that (high) number of games," he said.
"The value for those picks needs to be right."
GWS yesterday re-signed No.1 ruckman Jon Giles for three years, despite expressing an interest in Blues fringe big man Warnock, who recently penned a new deal to remain at Carlton for another three seasons.
"We certainly inquired about him (Warnock) but having said that, he has obviously committed to Carlton, and that's where it (interest) stopped," he said.
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