Adam Simpson's Eagles are eyeing bullish top 10 prospect Elijah Hewett at this year's draft proceedings to bolster their midfield brigade as the club looks to rebuild their heavily ageing list.
The 18-year-old has plied his trade in Western Australia over the past two seasons, winning the WAFL Colts last season with Swan Districts and training throughout pre-season with West Coast.
With his status of being one of the hottest prospects available at this year's National Draft, Hewett has declared that he will not be playing favourites when it comes to being picked up by a club whilst speaking to 10 News First Perth.
"I've never supported a team, people probably find that weird. My extended family and immediate family have all been Eagles supporters," Hewett said.
However, it looks as if West Coast are the club that will look to bring in Hewett over the off-season, with their draft hand tipped to be good enough to make a play for the bullish midfielder.
Elijah Hewett is considered a Top 10 prospect in the upcoming National Draft, but the West Coast Eagles have the midfielder in their sights for the next season l @Lachy_Reid pic.twitter.com/x9VWINnDwy
— 10 News First Perth (@10NewsFirstPER) August 17, 2022
So far for Swan Districts in this year's WAFL campaign, Hewett has appeared six times, booting two goals and averaging just under 12 disposals per game.
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Standing at 186cm and weighing in at 82kg, his frame is eerily similar to that of some familiar faces, with the youngster moulding certain elements of his game style off of modern-day greats.
"There are certain elements I like to play, [Dustin] Martin with the explosiveness and then the ability to go forward, same as [Christian] Petracca.," he said.
"I think they are the prototype midfielders these days."
A drop in form this year has been linked to some post-COVID complications, with temporary asthma stunting his season.
However, it's apparent that Simpson is aware of Hewett's worth, with all signs pointing to the midfielder starting his AFL career at Lathlain Park.
In his drive to reach the AFL, Hewett spoke about the pressure and advice he received from West Coast legend Shannon Hurn.
"[Hurn said] those who are successful in the system are the ones that are willing to sacrifice the most, he added.
"There definitely is pressure no doubt about that, however, you can't run from it."
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West Coast will be aiming to strengthen over the off-season, with young blood desperately needed to click their rebuild into gear.
However, the club will be wanting to not end season 2022 with the wooden spoon, as bottom-dwelling rivals North Melbourne go up against the Suns this week in the final round of the year.
A respectable performance against the Cats this week should see Adam Simpson's side secure 17th spot barring a Roos upset, however, a thrashing could see them sink down to the very foot of the ladder to put a sour note on what has been a season to forget for the club.
