West Coast will take three of the first four WA-based selections into the 2021 AFLW Draft after receiving ‘Special Assistance’ from the League.

The Eagles already held the first selection in the state-based draft (and pick No.3 overall) following a two-win season which saw Daniel Pratt’s side finish 12^th on the 14-team ladder.

However, the club has now been granted additional priority picks in the second and third rounds, directly after the fifth selection in each of those rounds.

It means the Eagles will hold picks one (No.3 overall), three (21), four (24, priority selection), six (38) and seven (41, priority selection) in the WA-based draft.

“It’s pleasing the AFL Commission has granted our club two priority picks at this year’s AFLW Draft to assist with our list build and depth of developing talent,” General Manager – Community and Game Development Richard O’Connell said.

“We will now have the opportunity to take five of the first seven picks from Western Australia, and look forward to welcoming some future stars of the competition to our club.

“Since entering the AFLW competition our focus has been on youth and developing talent within our system, and we are excited to continue our clear growth as a team in 2022 and beyond.”

In providing Special Assistance to five clubs - including Gold Coast, Geelong, St Kilda and Richmond - the AFL Commission considered a range of factors including their win/loss record over the past two seasons.

Percentage, performance against teams above and below them on the ladder and an assessment of their respective list profiles were also taken into account.

The priority selections are given on the basis that the first five picks head by each club receiving Special Assistance must not be traded ahead of the 2021 NAB AFL Women’s Draft.

Any selections after this point can be traded as per current AFLW Rules.

Timelines for the upcoming AFLW Sign and Trade Period, as well as a projected date for the NAB AFLW Draft, are still to be advised.