The West Coast Eagles have reportedly hinted at their off-season list management strategy, with an understanding developing that they may attempt to lure free agents to the club in addition to their publicly-stated desire to build through the draft.
According to The West Australian's Mitchell Woodcock, despite the Eagles' intention to have one of the youngest playing groups in the competition, they also won't rule out chasing impending free agents at the conclusion of this season and beyond.
Throughout this season, the Eagles have been linked to West Australian natives Tim English and Nathan Broad to bolster their fledgling list, which is likely to oversee soon the departures of veterans Nic Naitanui, who was earlier ruled out for the remainder of this season through injury, and stalwart ex-skipper Shannon Hurn, among others.
However, Western Bulldogs ruckman English is not set to hit restricted free agency until the conclusion of next season, while three-time premiership defender Broad recently topped up his current Richmond deal to the end of 2025, ruling that duo out of contention, at least for this year.
Subsequently, West Coast's free-agent options are noticeably slimmed as it pertains to luring home native talent, with the club's on-field issues presenting as a potential roadblock for persuading off-contract players to don Eagles colours.
Further, contracted star defender Tom Barrass is reportedly being courted by rival clubs, leaving the Eagles' list management brains trust with plenty to consider in terms of potentially looking to capitalise on securing available draft capital for November.
"We've gone to the draft last couple of years, and we'll continue to do that," senior coach Adam Simpson said after West Coast's 122-point loss to Adelaide in Round 13.
Simpson also stated that, despite The West Australian's report, free agency wouldn't be a priority for West Coast.
"The free agent agency piece is probably not for us right now. We need to get some young talent into the side, albeit we're open to what's out there as well," he said.
"We're going to transition the list pretty quickly. It's going to be one of the youngest lists in a year or so in the comp. And then we want to get some picks at the top end as well if we can."
Sitting at the top of this year's National Draft order, the Eagles are in a prime position to secure the services of prodigious Victorian midfielder Harley Reid.
However, due to fear of the potential 'go home factor' and the fact that the Eagles drafted a like-minded player last year in Reuben Ginbey, some have suggested West Coast deal away Pick 1 for a slate of lucrative early selections.
Regardless, the Eagles' higher-ups will have plenty to consider come the end of the 2023 season.
