List lifelines up for grabs
Overlooked ruckman Darcy Cameron appears assured of receiving an AFL lifeline in today's rookie draft, with four clubs flagging an interest in the 203cm Claremont product.
Cameron, 18, was one of several players invited to train with Essendon following last Thursday's national draft in which he was overlooked.
However, a meeting between the Bombers and de-listed Collingwood big man Darren Jolly yesterday may have put West Coast, Brisbane and Carlton back in the mix to recruit the colts premiership star.
Swan Districts small forward Charlie Cameron is another WA youngster likely to be an early rookie pick.
Cameron was a regular in Swans' league side last season and was considered unlucky to be snubbed in the national draft.
"The two Camerons earned the right to play at WAFL league level and they were also pivotal to the success of the under-18 championships campaign," WAFL talent manager Raff Guadagnino said.
"Charlie has the explosive power and forward pressure to mix it with many AFL small forwards and Darcy's got height combined with his foot skills and overhead marking."
Powerful Albany junior Brenden Abbott remains an outside chance of being picked up after abandoning the State program mid-season, with West Coast and Hawthorn most likely to give him an opportunity.
Fremantle have already committed to rookie-listing East Fremantle forward Ryan Lester-Smith as a father-son selection should he be overlooked in the pre-season draft.
As well as young hopefuls, today's pre-season and rookie drafts, beginning at 8am WA time, represent the last chance for de-listed AFL players.
Greater Western Sydney have committed to selecting former Sydney forward Jed Lamb with their first pick in the pre-season draft, while Richmond are likely to pick up de-listed Port Adelaide midfielder Matt Thomas.
Thomas struggled for oppor- tunities at Port this year and was cut by the Power despite winning the SANFL's Magarey Medal.
·Ahmed Saad was yesterday suspended for 18 months after recording a positive test to a banned supplement contained in an energy drink.
Following acceptance of a provisional suspension that started on August 20, Saad's ban will expire on February 20, 2015.
He was de-listed by the Saints earlier this month.
·The Western Bulldogs have extended coach Brendan McCartney's contract until the end of 2016.
