West Coast has made five selections in Tuesday's drafts, taking Claremont midfielder Ryan Neates with its pick in the pre-season draft (no.5) and Lewis Broome, Andrew Strijk, Ashton Hams and Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls at selections 11, 27, 40 and 53 in the rookie draft.
Claremont’s Neates is a small, inside midfielder with good pace, his 2.83sec 20m proving the second quickest in screenings Australia-wide. A strong performer for his state in the under-18 championships, Neates’ clearance work and ability to include teammates are features of his game. He also has potential to play forward and kick goals.
Broome, another Tiger, featured strongly in Claremont’s colts premiership earlier this year, effectively ending a nine-year premiership drought for the club. The diminutive forward kicked four goals in the opening six minutes of the third quarter to seal his side’s victory over Peel.
Fellow local recruit Strijk impressed in 2009 off half-back for West Perth where his damaging foot skills proved his greatest asset. Strijk can run and carry from the defensive 50 and hit long targets with his penetrating right boot.
Hams, West Coast’s fourth WA selection, was named best afield in this year’s WAFL grand final, playing a starring role in defence for South Fremantle with his twin brother Kyle. The Simpson medallist racked up 14 marks and 28 possessions, playing mainly on Subiaco stars Trent Dennis-Lane and Alistair Pickett.
The club’s final pick, Oakley-Nicholls, was drafted from East Perth by Richmond in the 2005 draw. The fast-paced midfielder who can also play up forward has been unlucky with injuries, playing 13 games for the Tigers after making his debut in 2006.
