Former Collingwood utility Trey Ruscoe has been backed to potentially have "a big impact" back at AFL level following a strong start to his WAFL campaign.
Ruscoe was delisted by the Magpies at the cessation of the club's successful 2023 campaign, with the East Fremantle product playing 18 games in the black and white across his four seasons in the top flight.
Following his departure, Ruscoe signed with West Coast's WAFL team for the year ahead and has since been a key feature in the club's forward line a a strong marking target.
The 22-year-old has booted seven goals in his three appearances, including a haul of three goals from 15 disposals and seven marks in the Eagles' drought-breaking win over reigning premiers East Fremantle on Sunday.
Playing as a stand-in captain in the early rounds of the WAFL season, Ruscoe's exciting run of form has new West Coast WAFL coach Kyal Horsley backing the ex-Magpie to potentially return to the AFL.
Speaking on SEN, Horsley went as far as to say Ruscoe could have "a big impact" at the national level if he was given another chance.
"Trey Ruscoe, who's come from Collingwood, he's been leading exceptionally well. He plays with so much spirit and energy. He's obviously a fantastic talent," Horsley said.
"Watching him play, through limited supply through the first two rounds, he always looked dangerous playing forward. Then we threw him back... he's a real point of difference. He's got great versatility, really dangerous up front.
"He'd be one of the most damaging forwards at WAFL level and is probably one you could easily see back in an AFL program and having a big impact at that level as well. He's been outstanding for us."
Ruscoe's strong start to life in the royal blue and gold could land the versatile threat on the radar of AFL clubs ahead of next month's Mid-Season Draft.
West Coast are currently one of seven clubs that wouldn't have the list flexibility to add to their list via the mid-year intake, with sides in need of forward depth an ideal landing spot for Ruscoe.
Carlton, North Melbourne and Richmond all have list spots free for the Mid-Season Draft and would be showing some interest in the open market of forward assets.
The Mid-Season Draft will take place on Wednesday, May 29.