Sports · Other Sports · 2 hrs ago
Khaled El Souki faces uncertain AFL draft future despite Bulldogs interest
Khaled El Souki is a forward hoping to join an AFL club in this month’s draft.
The 18-year-old is a prospect in the Western Bulldogs’ next-generation academy, but he could be picked by another club.
The Bulldogs may struggle to match a bid because they traded away assets to bring in former Port Adelaide player Zak Butters.
A bid could come as early as pick 20, and Bulldogs list boss Michael Regan said the club would assess its options on draft night and during a later pick-swap period.
El Souki led the under-18 Talent League in goalkicking this year and scored three goals on his VFL debut for the Bulldogs.
He could become the ninth Muslim on an AFL list, joining players including Bachar Houli, who has mentored him through the Bachar Houli Foundation.
El Souki says he is open to joining the Bulldogs or another club.
Khaled El Souki faces an uncertain AFL draft outcome despite interest from the Western Bulldogs, whose ability to match a bid is limited after trading for Zak Butters.
A bid on the forward could come as early as pick 20, and the Bulldogs have not guaranteed they can match it.
Bulldogs list boss Michael Regan said the club could assess options on draft night and during a later pick-swap period.
El Souki led the under-18 Talent League in goalkicking this year and made his VFL debut for the Bulldogs in August.
He said he would be largely unbothered about joining the Bulldogs or another club.
- Who
- Khaled El Souki, an AFL draft hopeful and Western Bulldogs next-generation academy prospect.
- What
- His draft destination is uncertain, although the Bulldogs have expressed interest.
- When
- The AFL draft is due this month, according to the article published on November 6, 2026.
- Where
- The draft concerns involve the Western Bulldogs; El Souki made his VFL debut for the club.
- Why
- The Bulldogs are highly unlikely to be able to match a bid after trading for Zak Butters, unless they use future assets to secure another club's help.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Bachar Houli started the foundation to engage and empower young Muslims through football.
Western Jets coach Christian Stagliano moved El Souki permanently into attack before the season.
El Souki travelled to Dubai with Houli, Ahmed Saad and other foundation members after running a two-kilometre trial in 6:44.
El Souki kicked three goals on his VFL debut for the Bulldogs.
- Draft bid
- Could come as early as pick 20
- Trade
- The Bulldogs traded for former Port Adelaide star Zak Butters
- VFL debut
- August 2026; three goals
- Talent League
- Led the under-18 competition in goalkicking this year
- Trial
- Ran two kilometres in 6:44
What people are saying
There’s probably a feeling as well to, ‘How are they going to get Khaled done?’
With the future hand that we have; we’re able to read, react and understand what’s happening on draft night, and even in the upcoming pick-swap period, where we might be able to position ourselves to match Khaled.
I’m really proud [to be a Muslim]. We’re not embarrassed of anything any more, so Bach has done a lot for the community
It was great having the crowd behind me