WA State Talent Manager Adam Jones supports the idea of West Coast splitting their first-round draft pick, as the trade period begins to spice up. 

On Friday, in a shock move, Hawthorn traded pick 14 to Carlton, leaving the long-term futures of Tom Barrass and Liam Baker under a huge question mark. 

The aforementioned pick was swapped for Carlton’s future first and second round pick in the 2025 draft, leaving West Coast and by extension, Richmond in the lurch. 

It was generally accepted pick 14 would be the pick that saw Barrass land at Hawthorn, and in return, bring Liam Baker back to WA. 

With pick 14 out of the question, West Coast is left scrambling for solutions to lock in Baker. Some have even suggested trading pick 3 for two first round picks – an idea that might not be a bad one, according to Jones. 

“All you keep hearing from recruiters, is that it’s such an even and deep draft,” he told SportFM.

“I know West Coast had the same dilemma a couple of years ago where they traded their pick out to pick up Reuben Ginbey and Elijah Hewett. I certainly think it’s a consideration for them depending on what picks they can get their hands on. 

“If they were able to get a top 10 pick and another pick inside the top 20 I feel like it would be a really strong consideration for them and the position that they’re in trying to bring in young talent but it also might give them some flexibility to bring in Liam Baker who they’re chasing as well.”

Earlier this month over 70 of the top prospects in this year’s AFL National Draft participated in a three-day camp, they underwent physical testing and recruiters began interviewing prospects. 

Peel Midfielder Bo Allan made his case as WA’s top prospct this year with three top-four finishes in the physical testing, including agility, standing vertical jump and running vertical jump. 

Should West Coast trade pick three and secure a lower pick in the top 10, Allan could firmly be in the frame for them. 

WAFL. Perth Demons v West Coast Eagles at Mineral Resources Park in Lathlain. Pictured – Isiah Winder of the Eagles celebrates a goal. Picture – Justin Benson-Cooper / The Sunday Times

Fremantle also have two picks inside the top 15 – 10 and 11, but those picks are looking likely to go to Richmond as they chase midfielder-forward Shai Bolton. 

“From what you feel and hear, I think Bo is a good chance to be in the top 10 and the word that I’ve had is he won’t get past 15,” said Jones. 

“(The Eagles’ pick) would need to be within that range to be able to get their hands on Bo.

“With how he tested and see clubs doing a lot of their character interviews at the back end of the year, I certainly won’t be surprised if he’s inside that top 10.”

Former Eagle Isiah Winder has attracted some interest from clubs as he looks to reignite his AFL career for the third time. 

The 22 year-old won South Fremantle’s best-and-fairest on Saturday night before taking part in the State Combine on Sunday after receiving a late invitation. 

Winder played seven games for West Coast before being delisted in 2022. His career was revived for a second time after being picked up as a rookie in 2023 however, later that year, he was delisted again. 

Jones says Winder is ‘keen’ to get back on an AFL list. 

“The talent was evident there. I think it was a case of building up his endurance and work ethic which can be the case sometimes when players get dropped off an AFL list to then realise what they had,” he said. 

“His form this year was simply outstanding so I think he deserves another shot. Chatting to him yesterday, it seems like the pennies really well and truly dropped and he’s super keen to get back onto an AFL list. 

“He hadn’t spoken to many clubs at that point but through his management there’s definitely seems to be a little bit of interest.”

IMAGE: The Sunday Times