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15 West Australians have found a home as part of the 2021 AFL National Draft, with both Fremantle and West Coast prioritising local talent as part of their draft haul.
With four WA products finding an AFL home on Wednesday night in the opening round hopes were high for further success over the remainder of the draft on Thursday, Fremantle with the opening pick of the night.
They would select Subiaco midfielder Matthew Johnson with pick 21, having surprisingly been overlooked in the opening round of the draft but joining Colts teammate Neil Erasmus at Fremantle.
South Fremantle small forward Jesse Motlop joined Carlton with pick 27, looming as a perfect replacement for the retired Eddie Betts.
The Eagles would draft four West Australians on the night, starting with Peel Thunder midfielder Brady Hough at pick 31.
Swan Districts intercept marking defender Rhett Bazzo was next at pick 37, East Fremantle ruckman Jack Williams in blue and gold with pick 57 while experienced WAFL midfielder Greg Clark was picked up with selection 62, rewarded for outstanding performance at powerhouse club Subiaco that saw him win a premiership and a Simpson Medal for best on ground.
Corey Warner joined older brother Chad at the Sydney Swans with pick 40, East Perth product James Tunstill joining Brisbane with the next selection at pick 41.
Arthur Jones joined the Western Bulldogs with pick 43, the Claremont speedster to add even more pace to the 2021 AFL Grand Finalists.
Fremantle took Eric Benning at pick 54 from Claremont to add some ruck depth, Hawthorn swooping on Jai Serong brother of Dockers midfielder Caleb with pick 53.
Taj Woewodin was the final player selected in the draft as a father-son selection at Melbourne, son of Brownlow Medalist Shane.
Jase Burgoyne (son of Peter), Jackson Archer (son of Glenn) as well as Jesse Motlop were also father son selections, taking the number of father-son products in this year's draft to six.
The rookie draft will be held on Friday, giving one last opportunity for those overlooked in the national draft.
IMAGE: The West Australian.