West Coast Eagles list manager Brady Rawlings has confirmed the Eagles are still looking for another ruckman to add to their list and that North Melbourne champion Drew Petrie is still in the mix.
The Eagles added former Cat Nathan Vardy during the trade period, but with the injury concerns for Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett, Rawlings says Petrie was still in the mix to make his way to the Eagles' nest via the national or rookie draft.
“Obviously Drew is in the draft, so he’s a player that anyone could pick up,” Rawlings told TAB Radio.
“We had the option of putting another ruckman on as a delisted free agent during the off-season and we decided not to do that.
“We still feel with Nic and Scotty’s situation, Gilesy’s another year older even though he performed for us at the end of the year, we feel like we could do with another one (ruckman) on our list.
“Whether we get one in the draft, who knows what will be available at our picks? We might be able to secure one there.
“If not, we’ll look to the rookie draft and assess who’s available at that period as well.
“He’s a player that we’ve discussed and is in the mix with some others as ruckmen.”
The Eagles have stated throughout the off-season that they’re after athletic big men who can play both forward and in the ruck.
Rawlings believes Petrie’s versatility and experience could be a huge bonus for the club in 2017.
“I think if any club was to put someone like Drew on their list, they’re putting him on with the knowledge that he’s a very professional player,” Rawlings said.
“He’s been very durable over the years and he’s a great person to have around the club.
“If it’s not us and someone else decides to take him that’s the sort of player they’re getting.”