At least three AFL clubs are reportedly showing some level of interest in West Coast utility and former No.1 Mid-Season Draft addition Jai Culley this year.
Culley remains without a contract for 2025 with the Eagles after a season delayed due to injury, having suffered an ACL rupture midway through last year.
The 21-year-old returned for his 10th career game in Round 13 this year against North Melbourne and would feature in just two more games at AFL level, his most recent coming in Round 20 against Fremantle as the tactical sub.
Culley featured in the WAFL for West Coast on 14 occasions in 2024, finding himself on the periphery of the senior side as his contract neared an end to face an uncertain future.
A deal between the Dandenong Stingrays product and West Coast was said to be close to finalised before Adam Simpson's departure in July, with no agreement landing since, while West Coast have appointed a new coach this week in Andrew McQualter.
The West Australian have revealed a trio of rival clubs are assessing Culley's situation in Perth, with two of the unnamed clubs said to be based in Victoria.
Culley is unlikely to learn of his future at West Coast until after the club's trade period window, with the Eagles looking to settle moves for Richmond duo Liam Baker and Jack Graham, while the likes of James Peatling, Riley Garcia, Tom Clurey and Jack Carroll have also been tied to the WA powerhouse.
West Coast have five players still without contracts for next year, with Alex Witherden, Josh Rotham, Luke Edwards and Coby Burgiel joining Culley in having to tread water throughout the player movement period.
Should a keen suitor emerge for Culley, he could find a new home via the trade period - which opens on Monday - while a decision from the Eagles to not offer the young midfield-forward an extension could see him secure a lifeline through delisted free agency or the Supplemental Selection Period.
Essendon have been linked to Rotham as a potential free agency option, with the window for free agency opening on Friday morning.
West Coast will carry Picks 3, 23 and 59 into the off-season, with that hand to be strengthened by the imminent trade deals involving North Melbourne and Hawthorn for Jack Darling and Tom Barrass respectively.
