Tom Gorter is still coming to terms with realising his childhood dream of becoming a West Coast Eagle.

The talented 20-year-old said he was swamped by several friends upon learning that he’d be part of the Eagles’ rookie list in season 2017.

“I was with a few mates in Swanbourne … just chilling out following it on the phone,” Gorter said.

“They were stoked, jumping up and jumped all over me.

“It’s been a crazy 24 hours.”

Upon breaking into East Perth’s league side midway through the 2016 WAFL season, Gorter was afforded a unique opportunity to showcase his talents in front of West Coast’s coaches and recruitment staff on a weekly basis as a result of the club’s alignment.

The Kojonup product was one of the Royals’ most consistent performers at the pointy end of the season, but he wasn’t sure whether or not his form warranted a spot on the Eagles’ list ahead of Monday’s rookie draft.

“It was 50-50,” Gorter said.

“I was still nervous as hell leading into it and when the picks were rolling out. It was a massive relief when it did happen.”

In spite of being among the last players added to West Coast’s 2017 list, Gorter believes he will settle in quickly as a result of knowing several players.

Gorter lined up alongside the likes of Eric Mackenzie, Tom Barrass, Jack Redden, Dom Sheed and Lewis Jetta last year.

And unlike some of his fellow draftees, Gorter already has a sense of the team’s game plan as a result of playing under Jaymie Graham, Luke Webster, Mark Nicoski and Adam Selwood at East Perth.

“Sitting in meetings and stuff makes it a lot easier,” Gorter said.

“It’s not all crazy stuff. I can understand the terminology. A lot of it is just a change of colour.”

Gorter typically plays as a supplementary tall in defence and has displayed a knack for killing inside 50 entries with well-timed clunk or spoil.

He hopes to continue his development as a defender at the Eagles.

“I’ve always played the second or third tall,” he said.

“I know I’m a little bit shorter than usual for that, but I think I’ve got the attributes to play that position.”