AFTER entering last year’s draft at Pick 49, West Coast’s night opened all the way back at Pick 52 this time around as the Eagles signal their intent to stay within the premiership window. Three fresh faces entered the elite ranks overall, with some handy versatility and readymade types among the target areas West Coast identified. Having finished fifth on percentage and lost a home elimination final in 2020, the Eagles will be desperate to climb back into the top four with its strong and mature core remaining.

WEST COAST

National Draft:
#52 Luke Edwards (Glenelg/South Australia)
#57 Isiah Winder (Peel Thunder/Western Australia)

Rookies:
Zane Trew (Swan Districts/Western Australia), Daniel Venables (Re-listed)

The Eagles were put on the clock in the third and final round, selecting South Australian Luke Edwards with Pick 52. Edwards is the son of Adelaide great, Tyson, but was overlooked by the Crows as a father-son nomination and thus eligible in the open draft to other clubs.

The Glenelg product was a standout bottom-ager at last year’s Under 18 carnival and went on to gain senior experience with the Bays this year. He gets a big tick for versatility; able to play off half-back, as an inside midfielder, or even rest forward, boasting clean skills and natural footballing nous as his key strengths. A readymade choice.

Just a handful of selections later, West Coast would have been thrilled to bring in local talent, Isiah Winder, a crafty small who can also play multiple roles and has outstanding athletic traits. The Peel Thunder talent gained some good traction after blitzing the West Australian draft combine, but had also previously showed his wares on-field with eye-catching displays in the WAFL League and Colts competitions.

Having started as a small forward with good goal sense and marking ability, Winder further utilised his speed and skill in 2020 as a midfielder, while also rotating off the flanks at either end. He had long been linked with West Coast’s first pick, but should prove a great value option just a few spots down the order.

Eagles staff would have been just as content with the coup of Zane Trew as a rookie, given he was considered one of the most unlucky players to have missed out on National Draft selection. He is a handball happy inside midfielder out of Swan Districts with great extraction ability and awareness in-close, but will be hoping to get an extended run after multiple injury setbacks.

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Featured Image: Eagles draftee Isiah Winder trains in his new colours | Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images via AFL Photos