Young Subiaco product Malakai Champion is relishing life as a West Coast Eagle after being drafted as a Next Generation Academy rookie pick last week.

The speedy small forward has a deep love for football, and said the game has been a huge part of his life growing up.

“I smile just thinking about it (football),” Champion said with a grin.

“It’s great, I love it, the main reason we play is because we have fun, and I like having fun a lot.

“I love footy so much, as a country kid, that’s all you do on the weekends, go watch your uncles or your old man play footy, so since I was a little kid, I’ve always loved football.”

When asked about his first feelings of becoming an Eagle, the 18-year-old said it was an emotional time for him and his family.

“About three weeks ago I came in and had a meeting with the recruiting staff and they told me they were going to nominate me as an NGA,” Champion said.

“That was the first time I started thinking about it and just started crying with my family and my mum.

“I was actually driving here on Friday with Tyrell (Dewar), and I looked at my phone and the Eagles’ account had posted me.

“So, I was really happy, I still haven’t really sat down to think about it, but now that we’ve done our first day, it’s starting to sink in.”

Having spent time at the club through the Naitanui Academy, Champion has already developed close connections with teammates Liam Ryan and Dewar, who he gravitated towards on day one of pre-season.

“When I was here last year and earlier this year, already training with the boys, I just kind of stayed with him (Ryan) and Tyrell,” Champion said.

“So I just picked him (Ryan) and thought we could run together for fun and it was good to do my first training session with him.”

Champion lit up the WAFL in 2024 with his energy and agility, kicking seven goals in five League games for Subiaco, and plays with intensity and pressure around the ball.  

“I’m pretty up and about, electric, and I like to get low,” Champion said.

“I’m pretty small but I put my body on the line for the other players, I’m pretty fast and can kick the footy, I’m smart and I like to put a lot of pressure on my opponent.”