GWS recruiting boss Adrian Caruso has bluntly described the club’s AFL draft dilemma, saying the Giants have to rule out recruiting certain players at the top end of the talent pool.

Retention of talent has been the biggest issue the Giants have faced since entering the AFL in 2012.

Just two of their first picks in drafts between 2011 and 2020 remain at the club after homesick trio Jacob Hopper (2015), Tim Taranto (2016) and Tanner Bruhn (2020) all exited to premiership contenders during the trade period.

GWS have traded up to secure the first pick in this year’s draft and Caruso admits they have to be extremely careful about who they select.

“There’s an element of risk associated with some players and it’s to us to work out whether or not it’s worth that risk,” Caruso told reporters on Wednesday.

“We’ve got to do all our work on these boys and try to work out whether or not we think ultimately they’ll stay long-term.

“There is a tipping point in your talent order though when you do pick someone who might take on a bit more risk and might not be someone who you think would stay, but you rate their talent above everyone else.

“Case in point, Tanner Bruhn.

“But if we just ignored anyone we thought there was a risk on there wouldn’t be a heap of players left.

“We’ve got to be really targeted and specific in the type of players that we want to bring in, factoring that in.”

GWS have had their eyes on GWV Rebels product Aaron Cadman, who is widely regarded as the best key position prospect in this year’s draft pool.

Caruso said the Giants could seek assurances from potential draftees before they make their choice with the top selection.

“I know there’s been times in the past where clubs have extended players off the bat for an extra two years, working through their managers,” Caruso said.

“Once we settle on who we want to pick with pick one, we might actually have that conversation.”

Gold Coast list boss Craig Cameron agreed non-Victorian clubs effectively have fewer players to pick from at the draft because of the “go-home factor”.

Cameron said the pull of players’ home states had been noticeably stronger during this year’s trade period and hopes it will not be a growing trend, but that time will tell.

The fear of losing draftees down the track has in part shaped the Suns’ trade strategy this year, as they load up on future draft picks that will help them secure several highly-rated local academy prospects that are available in 2023.

Ahead of the 2020 draft, now-Essendon player Archie Perkins notoriously revealed he had told clubs he wanted to remain in Victoria and it wouldn’t be in the “best interests” of a club outside the state to pick him.

“I wouldn’t be 100 per cent with it if I was going over there and couldn’t really commit myself 100 per cent as opposed to staying here where I’d be 100 per cent ready to go and fully committed,” Perkins said.

“I just don’t think I’m ready for that and I wanted to be honest about it.”