AFL Draft hopeful Mitch Toner has signed with WAFL club West Coast for the 2027 season despite the November intake being set for two weeks.
Toner played for the Dandenong Stingrays as an impressive forward this year, slotting 37 goals whilst averaging 15.3 disposals, 3.9 marks and two tackles in 18 games.
He wasn't invited to any draft combines, and has opted to secure his football future in Western Australia.
Toner was called up to the VFL by Williamstown Seagulls throughout the year, so he has experience playing at state-league level.
“Mitch's defining physical attributes of strength, power and competitiveness will add toughness and excitement to the team in 2027,” West Coast Eagles Head of WAFL Steve Trewhella said.
Toner also missed selection in this year's Vic Country squad, but rather than let it derail his season, he kept producing at Stingrays level.
He isn't the only recent signing by the Eagles, who will welcome Brisbane Academy product Isaac Waller.
The 204cm ruck represented the Allies at the 2025 under 18 National Championships before continuing his development at VFL level.
Combining impressive athleticism with a strong competitive edge, Waller will add further size and depth to the Eagles' ruck stocks next season.
“Isaac has terrific athleticism and a competitive nature to his game, and we are excited to have secured his signature for the 2027 season,” Trewhella said.
“His move west will bolster our ruck stocks, and we are excited to see what he can bring to the WAFL competition in 2027.”
Former Geelong defender Jed Bews will also line up for West Coast Eagles' WAFL side, unless he receives a call-up to the AFL.
Bews said he would be happy to step up to the senior side if they needed assistance.
Ex-Bulldog Zac Walker is another AFL player to make the switch to the WAFL, who spent the past 18 months playing in the VFL.
“Our recruiting strategy has been about identifying players who not only have the talent to improve our team, but also have the character, competitiveness and appetite to get better,” Trewhella said.
“We believe Isaac and Mitch fit that profile really well, and we're excited to see what they can achieve in our environment.”
