West Coast have selected South Fremantle midfielder Fred Rodriguez with the first pick in the rookie draft, after the highly-rated prospect was overlooked in the national draft.
Rodriguez captained the WA Under-18 side and earned All-Australian honours during an impressive draft year. The tough midfielder averaged 25.3 disposals, 5.5 tackles and a goal per game in eight colts matches for South Fremantle.
He also impressed at the National Draft Combine, recording a 2km time trial of 6 minutes, 20 seconds to finish seventh overall.
Eagles list boss Matt Clarke said the club was thrilled to secure such a highly credentialed player. “Fred captained the WA Under 18 side and is a big-bodied midfielder with outstanding character,” Clarke said. “He was the State Under 18 MVP and is arguably one of the most highly credentialed players to come through the WA program in recent years.”
The Eagles opted not to sign Subiaco forward Wes Walley as a Category-B rookie despite having a spot and first access to him. West Coast will finalise their list on Monday by signing former Brisbane midfielder Deven Robertson, Harry Schoenberg (Adelaide) and Fin Macrae (Collingwood) through the pre-season supplemental selection period.
