WEST Coast believes its No.2 draftee Nicholas Naitanui has the mental strength to cope with the cult following he's set to develop in Perth after officially becoming an Eagle on Saturday.

Melbourne used the NAB AFL Draft's first selection to secure the services of tall forward Jack Watts, which left the Eagles free to recruit the dreadlocked ruckman at pick two.

Recruiting manager Trevor Woodhouse said the Eagles realised Naitanui would come under unavoidable scrutiny next year because of his distinctive appearance and exciting high-leaping abilities, but were not concerned about it would affect him.

"He handles himself really well. He's a pretty unassuming kid, and that's been good," Woodhouse told afl.com.au at Telstra Dome on Saturday.

"With his looks and his size, people see him as a marketable thing but it's obviously important that he's able to play some good footy.

"He's just an exciting player. He's got a fair bit to learn, like they all do at that size, but he's already pretty astonishing with what he can do."

Woodhouse said the Eagles won't be rushing the young ruckman into senior consideration next season, and would instead allow him to develop at his own pace.

"We don't expect him to change the course of the world next year because he's not Superman – he's only 18 years old," he said.

"It's important to let him develop along with all these other guys, although these guys that are selected early unfortunately have a massive pressure on them, so it's a bit tough."

The Eagles picked up five young guns on Saturday with Naitanui, Luke Shuey, Tom Swift, Ashley Smith and Jordan Jones.

Woodhouse said the club would prefer to spend 2009 developing its new acquisitions, but would not rule out senior appearances for any of them.

"That's a real tough question. In my ideal world, I'd say no, but inevitably some will," he said.

"I'd think if they can get a few years of pre-seasons and development under their belt, it's better for them but the system doesn't really allow that too often anymore.

"We'd like to think that our senior players will be up and running next year so we can give a few a little bit of time, but not too much."