It's just an opinion piece that WC should ask for AFL assistance.
Motormouth Mitch: West Coast Eagles should ask for compensation pick from AFL to land Richmond star Liam Baker
Mitchell WoodcockThe West Australian
Sun, 1 September 2024 4:30PM
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Mitchell Woodcock
West Coast should ask the AFL for a compensation pick following another season at the bottom of the ladder in a bid to help them land Richmond’s Liam Baker, writes Mitchell Woodcock.
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Priority picks are a murky subject and often compromise the draft.
The AFL set the precedent last year though when they handed North Melbourne three picks at the end of the first round over 2023 and 2024.
North Melbourne traded out those picks to better their draft hand and bring in players such as Dylan Stephens.
After 10 wins in three seasons, West Coast would have a compelling case to ask for a priority pick themselves.
I said earlier this year they shouldn’t get a compensation pick because a lot of their struggles are their own doing and I stand by that, but it doesn’t mean they shouldn’t ask.
All that matters is what the AFL think and given they would want the Eagles to be rebuilding quickly after three horror seasons, they might be inclined to give a compensation pick to the Eagles.
Getting a pick at the end of the first round in this year’s draft could be used to trade to Richmond for Liam Baker without hurting their rebuild.
Simply because right now they are expected to use a first-round draft pick to land the Tigers’ vice-captain despite needing early picks to bring in young talent.
West Coast need to get smart to get Liam Baker and hold a good draft hand. AFL Photos
Currently the Eagles have pick No.3 and are set to land Hawthorn’s first pick for the expected trade of premiership defender Tom Barrass later this year.
They consensus is that West Coast will use the pick from the Hawks to land Baker because the Subiaco-product wants to ensure the Tigers get proper compensation for losing him.
If the Eagles swallow a bit of pride and get some help from the AFL then they could possibly still keep two first-round picks and land Baker, which is a crucial move in the development of the list.
Otherwise, they’re likely going to only have one first-round pick in consecutive seasons which is not ideal considering they’re in a rebuild alongside North Melbourne and Richmond.
And with Tasmania coming into the league in the not-to-distance future, they really need to get their hands on as much young talent as they can.
West Coast need to think left of centre to land Baker and a strong draft hand this year. Asking the AFL for a compensation pick might be a smart move.