Rival reportedly keeping tabs on off-contract Kangaroo

West Coast are reportedly monitoring off-contract North Melbourne midfielder Will Phillips this year as the Eagles assess the open market to strengthen their engine room

Phillips re-signed with the Kangaroos last September, penning a one-year deal after a campaign that saw him work his way back into Alastair Clarkson's side as a tagger.

He had fallen out of favour early last year, not playing until Round 6, and would end the season with just 11 games to his name - his lowest tally since his debut campaign of 2021.

Phillips could play even fewer matches this year, featuring in just four games as Clarkson looks to settle on his midfield combination for the future.

The former Pick 3 selection's contract status, mixed with West Coast's desire to add more midfield power, has reportedly sparked the Eagles' interest in Phillips.

According to News Corp, Phillips is among the names on the Perth powerhouse's hitlist this year under first-year coach Andrew McQualter.

West Coast are continuing to work through a list rebuild that is yet to net them a rise out of the bottom rungs of the ladder, with an injection of youth via the trade and draft mechanism likely this year.

The Eagles added Richmond premiership pair Jack Graham and Liam Baker, as well as Carlton small forward Matt Owies, over the recent off-season to aid the development of their youngest ranks.

McQualter has looked to use a range of players through midfield this year, more recently Lam Ryan, Brady Hough, Elijah Hewett and Tyler Brockman, experimenting with their options to support known ball winners in Graham, Baker and Harley Reid.

Veteran Tim Kelly has spent more time forward in recent weeks, not featuring in a centre bounce in Round 9 and having only 19 per cent over the weekend against St Kilda.

West Coast would need to trade for Phillips at the end of the year unless he is delisted by the Kangaroos, with the Eagles currently holding Picks 1, 15, 19, 33 and 51 for this year's draft, and will also have access to trade their 2026 and 2027 selections.