WEST Coast ruckman Callum Sinclair has revealed how some sound advice from Brownlow medallist Gerard Healy helped him achieve his AFL dream.

Sinclair, 23, was left despondent after being overlooked by AFL clubs three years in a row.

Several clubs were tempted to draft him over that period, with the Eagles showing the most interest.

But it wasn't until Sinclair made the move from Melbourne to Perth at the end of 2011 that West Coast's enthusiasm soared, with his strong season for Subiaco last year finally convincing the Eagles to snare him via pick No.12 in the rookie draft.

Sinclair, who played in the VFL with Port Melbourne before moving to Subiaco, has played two matches this year, and impressed against the Demons (six marks, two goals) at the MCG on Sunday.

However, Sinclair's move to Perth might not have happened if it wasn't for the urging of Healy.

"He lived in my local area and he gave me a bit of advice on the possibility of moving to WA, because I was a bit nervous about it at the time," Sinclair said.

"He kind of gave me that push to give it a go.

"A few clubs had contacted me over that period I was playing VFL footy ... and for whatever reason I wasn't taken at the time.

"I think the move to Perth probably showed West Coast I was pretty keen and eager to play for them."

The move west has paid early dividends for Sinclair, with the 200cm Victorian filling in for injured ruckman Nic Naitanui.

Sinclair has spent most of his career as a forward, but said he was keen to improve his ruck work by learning off Dean Cox and Naitanui.

"To have a six-time All Australian talking to you every day about where you can improve is a massive bonus," Sinclair said.

"I feel I've learned a lot over the past four months. Dean's a massive reason for that.

"Ruck work is pretty new to me over the last 12 months, and to learn off two All Australians is a massive positive.

"It might be difficult to get a game at times with those guys (both) there, but to learn off them is going to be a great experience."

With Naitanui still battling a groin injury, Sinclair is again set to partner Cox for Saturday night's clash with Carlton at Patersons Stadium.

Blues ruckman Robbie Warnock is likely to replace Matthew Kreuzer, who injured his thumb in last week's loss to Geelong.