West Coast Eagles set to open up list spot ahead of mid-season draft to replace injured forward Jacob Newton

West Coast are set to open up a spot on their list ahead of this year’s mid-season rookie draft with forward Jacob Newton likely to be placed on the long-term injury list. The West Australian understands the Eagles will consider picking up a player next month following Newton’s season-ending foot injury. Newton — who was picked up in last year’s mid-season rookie draft — required surgery on a navicular injury he sustained in the round three win over Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval. The Eagles are set to be one of several clubs with picks already, including the Power — who will have two because of a season-ending knee injury to Ollie Lord — as well as St Kilda, Adelaide, Greater Western Sydney and Hawthorn. West Coast have a strong history of picking up talent at the mid-season rookie draft, with mature-age half-back Tom McCarthy making a splash after he was recruited with pick No.1 last year. Wingman Jack Hutchinson was taken with the club’s first selection in 2024 (pick three), while defender Ryan Maric has played 52 games since he was taken with the opening selection in 2023. Jai Culley also played 12 games for the Eagles after he was taken with the No.1 pick in 2022 before he was delisted in 2024, having played eight games at Melbourne since. West Coast have already replaced one player on the long-term injury list, with Milan Murdock brought onto the list on the eve of the season to fill the spot left by Noah Long (knee injury). Will Collins never played a game after he was recruited with pick No.11 in 2022, while West Perth midfielder Connor West suited up in 28 games from 2021 to 2023 after he landed in the nest with pick No.23. WEST COAST MID-SEASON ROOKIE DRAFT HISTORY 2021 Pick No.11 - Will Collins - 0 Games Pick No.23 - Connor West - 28 Games 2022 Pick No.1 - Jai Culley - 20 Games 2023 Pick No.1 - Ryan Maric - 52 Games* 2024 Pick No.1 - Jack Hutchinson - 23 Games* 2025 Pick No.1 - Tom McCarthy - 14 Games* Pick No.9 - Jacob Newton - 5 Games*