WITH season proper and trade period done and dusted, AFL fans and staff alike now turn their attention towards the draft (November 20-21). The chaos has momentarily settled on player and pick swaps, and budding prospects have completed their combines, leaving a nervous wait until they learn their fate.

In the next of our club-by-club draft previews, we take a look at West Coast’s hand and offer insight into how the Eagles may utilise the picks at their possession. While pick one seems an inevitable choice, the West Australian club may yet have crucial trades up its sleeve on both nights.

LADDER FINISH: 18th (3-20, 53.0%)
2023 PICKS: 1, 23, 37, 58, 73
FUTURE PICKS: WCE R1, WCE R2, WCE R3, WCE R4
CLUB-TIED PLAYERS: Lance Collard, Coen Livingstone, Oscar Hine-Baston (all NGA)

FIRST PICK:
Pick 1

It’s just about inevitable at this point. Despite all the trade pitches and speculation – be them truthful, downright naive, or otherwise – West Coast is set to hold pick one and select Harley Reid. He has unanimously been touted as the best prospect for some time and handled the hype remarkably well.

The Eagles were said to have demanded North Melbourne’s picks two and three in a proposed deal there, while Melbourne was knocked back after offering a slew of selections, and Hawthorn also threw in a player to the pitch who ended up becoming an Eagle anyway – Tyler Brockman.

Reid is tagged with the now clichéd term of being a ‘generational talent’, and one which clubs can build a list around. His junior accolades speak for themselves and he was utterly dominant against his peers over the last two seasons, while also showcasing his class against senior opposition.

The 18-year-old was named an All-Australian back pocket last year and full-forward in 2023, but arguably does his best work as a midfielder-forward. He offers power at the contest, line-breaking ability, spectacular aerial nous, and a nightmare matchup close to goal. The full package.

REMAINING CROP:

While West Coast’s current hand sees its next pick lie at the start of round two, the Eagles are highly likely to pounce once more on night one. Should local gun Dan Curtin slip past North Melbourne, Hawthorn and Melbourne, the Eagles will get on the horn to GWS in hopes of a live trade for pick seven.

A future first round pick – which could realistically end up being number one – is on the table in that scenario. The move would see West Coast exit night one with the best overall talent, and the best local talent in what can only be described as a dream outcome.

Curtin is the ultimate utility – arguably most comfortable as a key defender, but more than capable as an inside midfielder, and dangerous up forward. He spent much of the year on-ball at 197cm, gained senior experience, and is smooth-moving, composed of the ball on his favoured left foot.

Outside of that potential blockbuster sequence, the Eagles are also keen on in demand forward Lance Collard. The Subiaco speedster is part of West Coast’s NGA, but only accessible to the club beyond the top 40 picks – unless they select him with a live pick themselves.

That looks like being the case at pick 23, though the opening selection of the second round is often in high demand. West Coast could realistically trade it and still nab him with another pick in the 20s, but would have to get in before a number of clubs keen on the mercurial goalsneak – including Fremantle.

Elsewhere, the likes of Perth wingman Aiden O’Driscoll and sliding South Australian forward Ashton Moir have been linked and may well be available at pick 37. The club is expected to make four to five selections, and is a chance to list over-age NGA graduate Oscar Hine-Baston. Ruck-forward Coen Livingstone is also tied to the Eagles’ academy.

KEY QUESTIONS:

– Will there be any late temptation for a pick one trade?
– Will Dan Curtin slip through far enough for West Coast to trade back and pounce?
– Will West Coast hold onto pick 23 or use it as high value trade tender on night two?