The West Coast Eagles are poised to make a significant move in their ongoing list rebuild, with former Collingwood midfielder Fin Macrae expected to join the club after being delisted by the Magpies.
Eagles Secure Delisted Talent
Fin Macrae, the 22-year-old midfielder who played 13 games for Collingwood, is set to continue his AFL career in Western Australia after the Eagles expressed strong interest in acquiring his services. The young player was informed he wouldn't receive a new contract with the Magpies despite being part of their 2023 premiership squad.
West Coast's list manager Rohan O'Brien confirmed the club's interest in Macrae, highlighting his potential to strengthen their midfield department. The Eagles view this acquisition as a strategic move to add depth and talent to their developing squad without sacrificing valuable draft capital.
Rebuild Strategy Takes Shape
This potential signing represents another calculated step in West Coast's comprehensive rebuild strategy. The Eagles have been actively seeking opportunities to accelerate their list regeneration following several challenging seasons that saw them finish near the bottom of the ladder.
Macrae was originally selected with pick number 19 in the 2020 national draft, demonstrating the high regard recruiters had for his abilities coming through the junior ranks. Despite limited opportunities at Collingwood, where he managed just 13 senior appearances across four seasons, his talent and potential remain highly regarded within AFL circles.
The Eagles' midfield has been identified as a key area requiring reinforcement, and Macrae's addition would provide valuable depth behind established players like Tim Kelly and Elliot Yeo. His arrival would complement other recent acquisitions as the club systematically builds toward future success.
Opportunity for Fresh Start
For Macrae, the move to West Coast represents a crucial opportunity to revitalize his AFL career. The change of environment and increased potential for senior opportunities could unlock the promise that made him a first-round draft selection just four years ago.
West Coast's willingness to provide a fresh start for delisted talent demonstrates their innovative approach to list management during this rebuilding phase. Rather than relying solely on the draft, the Eagles are strategically targeting players who may have been undervalued or underutilized at their previous clubs.
The expected signing continues West Coast's pattern of strategic list moves designed to balance immediate needs with long-term development goals. With Macrae joining other recent additions, the Eagles are methodically constructing a squad capable of returning to finals contention in coming seasons.
This acquisition signals West Coast's commitment to exploring every available avenue to strengthen their playing list as they work toward climbing back up the AFL ladder and re-establishing themselves as a competitive force in the competition.
