The West Coast Eagles are set to ask for a late first-round pick as a key element of their list assistance package in a bid to fast-track their rebuild, per AFL Media's Cal Twomey.
The Eagles have proposed a number of concessions that the AFL Commission is expected to consider in the coming weeks, including the aforementioned late first-round selection, as well as access to an increased number of rookie list spots and another draft pick that the club is required to trade.
The Eagles are also requesting that the AFL not reduce their compensation for the departing key forward, Oscar Allen, if they acquire a big fish in free agency of their own. The current captain is adamant about joining the Brisbane Lions via restricted free agency this off-season.
As it stands, the Eagles would likely receive pick 2 as compensation for Allen, but the Perth-based outfit is reportedly keen on acquiring a number of out-of-contract rivals, including Lions defender Brandon Starcevich and Demons half-back Judd McVee.
The club's plea for a greater rookie list stems from the Eagles' abundance of Next Generation Academy and father-son prospects available to them at the 2025 National Draft - homegrown talent that could fill out their playing list in the long-term future.
West Coast's overall asking is near-identical to the one the AFL approved for North Melbourne at the end of 2023, bearing similar traits regarding increased rookie list spots and late first-round selections.
As it stands, West Coast currently hold Picks 1, 13, 19, 31 and 49 for the 2025 National Draft, though they are expected to add Pick 2 to their arsenal following Oscar Allen's free agency departure in October.
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