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UNEARTHING a young tall or securing another experienced big man will be a priority for West Coast in the upcoming drafts, new list manager Brady Rawlings says.
Despite recruiting former Geelong ruck-forward Nathan Vardy during the NAB AFL Trade Period, the Eagles are still eyeing more insurance to help cover for injured ruckmen Nic Naitanui (ACL) and Scott Lycett (PCL) next season.
Ex-North Melbourne veteran Drew Petrie, who played alongside West Coast coach Adam Simpson and Rawlings, has been strongly linked to a move west via the rookie draft.
But the Eagles could also take a longer-term view with their strategy in Friday's NAB AFL Draft in Sydney.
"We've added to our midfield over the last couple of years with Jack Redden, Lewis Jetta and obviously we got Sam Mitchell in this year," Rawlings told TAB Radio.
"Although we've got some elite talent through the middle of the ground, we probably felt like we could do with an extra couple of players through there that are good ball-winning players who are strong on the inside but also can use the ball well.
"We feel like we've added to that department and in the off-season with the injury to Nic and with Scotty Lycett coming back from a PCL we targeted Nathan Vardy as a forward-ruck option and were able to secure that deal as well.
"In terms of list need, you're always looking for two, three or four years ahead and we feel like any young tall player that could be added to the list would be beneficial (to replace) a couple of players down the track once they retire."
South Fremantle's 203cm surprise packet Tim English could be an option if still available at West Coast's first pick – No.12 overall – in the national draft.
But with Naitanui set to miss most of 2017 and Lycett racing the clock for round one, journeyman Jonathan Giles could be the No.1 ruckman early next season and Petrie is still under consideration.
"We still feel with Nic and Scotty's situation – and Gilesy's another year older even though he really performed for us at the end of the year – we could do with another one (ruckman) on our list," Rawlings said.
"Whether we get one in the draft, who knows what will be available at our picks, we might be able to secure one there.
"If not we might look to the rookie draft … (Petrie's) a player we've discussed and he's in the mix with some others as a ruckman."
If the Eagles can keep ex-Cat Vardy fit, he could also provide valuable depth as a forward who can pinch-hit in the ruck.
The 25-year-old played just 25 games in seven years at Geelong, but will start training with the Eagles' senior players on Monday, along with ex-Hawthorn champion Mitchell.
"We obviously did all the medical (tests) with Nathan and we were comfortable bringing him in given that we feel he's over those injuries that have held him back in the past," Rawlings said.
"He's ready to go, he's been running all off-season and been in the gym and he arrived yesterday and looked pretty sharp."
