The West Coast Eagles secured outside midfielder Campbell Chesser from the Sandringham Dragons in the first round of the NAB AFL Draft this evening.

A classy right footer Chesser, like many of the Victorian youngsters, had limited preparation playing just five games because of the intervention of Covid-19 and a knee injury.

The Eagles swapped their first selection in the draft – that slipped from 10 to 12 after father-son selections Sam Darcy and Nic Daicos dropped into the first four – to Port Adelaide.

In the end the deal was pick 12 to Port in exchange for pick 14 and a future second round pick.

By slipping down the order, the Eagles still managed to select one of their prime draft targets having visited the Chesser family home in the last couple of weeks.

“They didn’t give much away,” a beaming Chesser said. “The seemed pretty keen, there were a few rumours going around in the media, but I’m quite ready to move.

“I have been living away from home for the last four years so I’m used to it. I will be able to adapt.

“It has been quite disjointed, but I’m lucky to have done enough to get my name read out and I’m absolutely stoked.”

The first round of the draft took about 90 minutes to complete with 20 selections being made, with the remainder of the draft to be completed tomorrow night.

West Coast's first pick on Thursday will be selection 31. 

AFL.com.au bio

POS: Defender/midfielder
Ht 186cm, Wt 83kg, DOB 27/4/03
From Sandringham Dragons/Vic Country

An attacking half-back with great athletic traits and the versatility to move through the midfield. Chesser is back at full fitness and impressed at last week's (Victorian prospects) training session with his movement after a season hindered by a nagging knee problem.