Gippsland Power forward Ryan Maric is said to be in the sights of both Western Australian clubs ahead of the AFL's Mid-Season Draft later this month.
West Coast are in pole position to have Pick 1 at the mid-year intake however will need to open up a list spot ahead of the May 31 count, with only several clubs currently holding list vacancies due to player with long-term injuries, retirements or leftover list spots.
The Eagles' extensive injury list currently has Jamie Cripps (ankle), Liam Ryan (hamstring) and Tom Cole (ankle) still facing close to or longer than 10 weeks on the sidelines, while ruckman Nic Naitanui isn't expected to be fit until the second half of the season due to an ongoing Achilles concern.
The Perth powerhouse would be required to move one player to its inactive list to be eligible to select a new recruit through the Mid-Season Draft, having done so last year in order to add Dandenong Stingrays talent Jai Culley with Pick 1.
Should the Eagles pull the trigger and move one player to the long-term injury list, the club is expected to have Maric in their sights when they come on the clock.
According to CODE Sports, the Eagles have been joined by Fremantle in expressing an interest in Maric following the teenager's strong start to the NAB League season.
Maric has booted eight goals in his three appearances for the Power so far this season, with his 2023 campaign off to a flying start with a four-goal haul from 23 disposals against the Murray Bushrangers.
The 193cm forward nominated for last year's National Draft but was overlooked after seeing his stocks take a hit due to back issues, with Maric now in strong consideration for a chance in the top flight.
Should the Eagles fail to claim wins over upcoming opponents Gold Coast, Hawthorn and Essendon, they'll hold onto their place at 18th on the ladder and first overall for the Mid-Season Draft.
Hawthorn are currently level with the Eagles with one win from seven rounds, with less than one per cent separating the two sides, staging next week's clash between the two sides as the likely decider for Pick 1.
But should West Coast pass on Maric or decide not to enter the Mid-Season Draft, cross-town rivals Fremantle are also said to be keen on the young attacker.
Maric is seen likely to feature in this week's Young Guns side that will take on Vic Metro this weekend, with that same showcase game giving clubs a greater look at mature talent ahead of the Mid-Season Draft, with Culley having impressed in last year's trial.
The Dockers, who have one available list spot free, are currently in 14th on the ladder and third in the draft order, with West Coast and North Melbourne the only clubs below them without selections.
CODE's report suggests if Maric is still available for when the Dockers are up for their selections that the 19-year-old will likely land at Cockburn.
Hawthorn and Richmond are currently the other two sides ahead of the Dockers on the draft order, with Jason Castagna's retirement opening up a list spot at Punt Road.
The 2023 AFL Mid-Season Draft will take place remotely on Wednesday, May 31.
