The West Coast Eagles are believed to be weighing up a train and trial offer to delisted Fremantle forward Joel Western.
Western was axed by the Dockers at the cessation of the 2022 season after just four matches in the AFL during his two seasons in purple.
The 20-year-old, who was taken with the 54th pick in the 2020 National Draft, was recruited from Claremont and could see his career in Western Australia continue into 2023.
While WAFL clubs are sure to circle the pacey small forward, West Coast are understood to have Western in their sights, according to a report from The West Australian.
The Eagles currently have seven list spots open ahead of this month's National Draft, five of which are senior vacancies while the other two are open for rookie-list acquisitions.
With Western seen as one of several potential Supplemental Selection Period targets for West Coast, the young goalsneak could be invited to train under Adam Simpson across the pre-season.
The report suggests the Eagles are likely to make a decision on training invites after they gain a better understanding of their list following the draft, with West Coast carrying one of the stronger draft hands, which includes two top 10 picks, into the count.
2022 saw the Eagles heavily lean on SSP additions in the pre-season amid an injury-riddled start to their season, offering a bevy of fringe names a training position prior to the season's commencement.
Delisted Lion Tom Joyce, ex-Tiger Patrick Naish and former Fremantle dup Hugh Dixon and Luke Strnadica were all handed list spots through the SSP window.
Strnadica departed the Eagles prior to the end of the season, while the other three were delisted come the off-season's arrival.
Should Western find himself at West Coast for 2023, he'll follow in the footsteps of sister Mikayla in switching from the Dockers to the Eagles.
Mikayla made her AFLW debut with Fremantle in the earlier season of this year before swapping to West Coast for season seven, where she played eight matches before having her season cut short due to injury.
Joel was among a trio of Dockers cut by the club this year, with Mitch Crowden and Connor Blakely also not offered new deals for 2023.
Crowden has signed with WAFL side East Perth, while Blakely is continuing his pursuit of landing another AFL deal following talks with the Gold Coast Suns.
The SSP signing window won't open until next year, however AFL clubs are allowed to offer training contracts for the pre-season.
