“It did seem to go as planned. They were two kids we were looking at pretty closely. They're older – not old – but they're not the 18-year-olds.
They were guys that, once they got passed over in the draft, we thought they may have got looked at later in the draft seeing as we were out at No.52.
When they got through we thought we should have a look at them for the rookie draft.
I think it shows once you get to the back end of the draft, probably 40-50 onwards to the rookies, all those guys are probably equal in some respects, it's just how people subjectively perceive them.
I think [the talent] was pretty reasonable. As with all rookie drafts there will be some that get up and play, I don't think there's been a rookie draft where a real good player hasn't come out of it. I don't know who that is - if you could tell me that I'd be happy. But there will be.
We looked at a couple of players that we equated ability wise from the eastern states, but I think there were enough good young WA guys.”
Selection No.2: Liam Bedford
Geelong, VIC, Medium defender/forward, July 12, 1988, 180cm, 73kg
“Liam is quick. He played his footy at Claremont colts more as a wing forward whereas Geelong have tried to play him back.
I think we might try to get him playing more of a forward role than a back role.
I think he'll lap up the big quicker grounds. Playing VFL footy in Melbourne on the little grounds that have the sting out of the track and are often muddy, cold and a bit miserable, it probably didn't suit his style.
I think he'd probably look forward to going back to Claremont where he played his junior footy.”
Selection No.18: Adam Cockie
Subiaco, WA, Medium midfielder, April 18, 1989, 180cm, 82kg
“Adam Cockie has had a pretty solid year with Subiaco as a 19-year-old.
We've drafted a lot of midfielders so he's in a bit of a queue, but Matt Priddis was in that queue, too. So if you're good enough you get up.
He's a kid that we've watched come right from the under-16s and he's just a good honest worker.
He probably did all he could do and he's got an opportunity on the rookie list to put his best foot forward, and we know he'll do that.
He's got a great attitude and a great work rate. They're two things that go towards it.”
