Josh Rotham

West Coast defender’s exit confirmed following interest from Victorian rival

The 26-year-old has confirmed his future.

Published by
Mitch Keating

West Coast defender Josh Rotham looks set for the exit after eight seasons with the Eagles, with attention now turning to whether he secures a lifeline at AFL level this off-season.

Rotham's future is yet to be confirmed by the club in the wake of last week's player movement period concluding, with the 26-year-old having been eligible for free agency but not finding a new home.

It was believed the medium-sized defender might earn an extenstion at West Coast for 2025 after the West Perth product was not part of the Eagles' latest batch of delistings last week.

Rotham has since thanked the club for his time in the royal blue and gold, where he played 72 games since beign drafted in 2016, confirming his time with the Eagles has come to an end.

"Thank you West Coast Eagles," Rotham posted on Sunday night.

"I love this footy club and have been spoilt with some of the best mentors I could have imagined. Got drafted with my best mate, gained some more and got to live out my childhood dream of playing AFL in these colours.

"4 qtrs on the weekend is gold, but the belly laughs, doom sessions, footy trips, and relationships you build in between are just as special. It's brought Mads and I a tonne of joy and I'm so grateful for it

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 02: Josh Rotham of the Eagles marks the ball during the 2021 AFL Round 07 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers at Optus Stadium on May 02, 2021 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"Finish up bloody proud and hope I made my people feel the same way at some stage along the way too. I have no doubt this club will be back where it belongs in no time.

"All love playas."

Rotham's announcement follows recent intrerest from Essendon, who had weighed up a move for the agile backman over the past several weeks.

The Bombers could still make a play for Rotham's signature via delisted free agency, or have the Western Australian join the club's pre-season program as a potential Supplemental Selection Period acquisition.

Essendon are a chance to have delisted defender Kaine Baldwin back at Tullamarine this summer as an SSP train-on talent, offering the luckless swingman a chance to secure a second chance at the club.

Delisted free agents can be signed from November, while SSP additions are likely to be confirmed following the draft period later that same month.

Published by
Mitch Keating