AFL Draft: West Coast Eagles pick up Fred Rodriguez in rookie draft

West Coast have snapped up South Fremantle midfielder Fred Rodriguez with the first pick in the rookie draft after he was unlucky to not be picked on Thursday night.

Rodriguez had an impressive draft year, captaining WA and earning Under-18 All-Australian honours but was overlooked in the national draft.

However, the Eagles have taken the tough Bulldogs midfielder as a rookie continuing to add to their strong draft stocks which includes four Victorians and Next Generation Academy product Tylah Williams.

Rodriguez had a strong colts season for South Fremantle, averaging 25.3 disposals, 5.5 tackles and a goal in eight games.

He then performed well at the National Draft Combine with a terrific 2km time trial result, running it in 6 minutes, 20 seconds to finish seventh overall.

Eagles list boss Matt Clarke said the club was thrilled to bring in such a highly credentialed young player.

“Fred captained the WA Under 18 side and is a big-bodied midfielder with outstanding character,” Clarke said.

“He was the State Under 18 MVP and is arguably one of the most highly credentialed players to come through the WA program in recent years.

“He covers the ground exceptionally well, wins contested ball, and is a genuine clearance specialist.”

It comes as West Coast decided not to land Subiaco forward Wes Walley as a Category-B rookie despite having a spot and first access to him.

The Eagles will complete their list on Monday when they sign former Brisbane midfielder Deven Robertson as well as Harry Schoenberg (Adelaide) and Fin Macrae (Collingwood) through the pre-season supplemental selection period.