Rhylee West was only six when he ran out onto the ground for his father Scott's 300th game for the Western Bulldogs against West Coast in Perth.
Next year, the son of a gun may get his own chance to head out on an AFL field in a Bulldogs jumper.
West is eligible to join the club as a father-son given Scott's illustrious career there – he won seven best and fairest awards over a brilliant 324-game career at the Kennel.
There's a fair bit of fight in West. He plays on the edge and likes to throw his body around and into opponents, and that physical component of his game stands out. When games are up for grabs he generally plays better because of the competitive instinct that underpins West's footy.
West can find the ball – he averaged 22 disposals for Vic Metro before being named an under-18 All Australian, and 19 touches for the Cannons – plus more than five clearances a game for Metro at the national carnival.
West likes to float forward and take a high grab, and he has genuine power and spring in his legs: he finished in the top 10 for the running vertical jump (right foot) and standing vertical jump tests at the NAB AFL Draft Combine, and third overall in the agility test (8.216 seconds).
West isn't the most fashionable player. He's short (180cm) and some of his kicking can be a little rushed forward at times, so he's a get-it-and-give-it-out prospect rather than someone who will be the finisher.
He tested well for pace (2.97 seconds over 20 metres) but was in the bottom 50 per cent of results in the endurance running tests, so will see that as an area to improve.
West's attack on the ball (and man) and ferocious approach have drawn comparisons to Melbourne midfielder Jack Viney.
A bid seems most likely to come early in the second round of the draft for West, which would likely see the Bulldogs match with their next available pick (No.27 overall).
West is tenacious, he'll annoy and get in the face of opponents and whenever there's a scrap he'll likely be involved. But he will also be the first to put his head over the ball and try to get his hands on it, which is his appeal.
