Royal on verge of quitting WAFL
East Perth appear set to lose one of their most talented midfielders as Dean Cadwallader contemplates quitting the WAFL to play amateur football next year.
Several other WAFL clubs, including premiers Subiaco and West Perth, have met the 24-year-old to try to convince him to stay involved in the State league.
Cadwallader nominated for this year's national and rookie drafts on the back of a strong finish to the WAFL season in which he averaged 20 disposals as a running half-back and was one of East Perth's best in the finals.
However, he was overlooked by AFL clubs despite West Coast giving some consideration to drafting the speedy player from their WAFL affiliate.
_The West Australian _understands work commitments and disillusionment with the WAFL have contributed to Cadwallader's decision.
He had to wait until round 16 to break into a league side flush with Eagles players and managed only nine senior matches in the first year of the AFL alignment system compared to 21 in 2013.
Cadwallader has not attended training with the Royals so far this pre-season, but the club hopes to retain him.
"He hasn't told us that he won't be playing at the club next year," East Perth football manager Mark Winnett said.
Perth have signed Swan Districts premiership player Brett Wolfenden, who returns to the WAFL after a three-year absence.
The Demons have also gained key defender Brent Latch in a direct swap with Swans for former Docker Joel Houghton.
Swans have added two East Perth youngsters, Steven Wityk and Jackson Slater, for next season, while West Perth have recruited former West Coast rookie Callum Papertalk.
·South Fremantle, Swan Districts, Claremont and Perth have sent invoices to the WA Football Commission demanding the full amount in draft fees rather than reduced payments.
The WAFC has slashed the payments it intends to make to each WAFL club for a player drafted into the AFL from $35,000 to $25,000, and from $15,000 to $10,000 for rookies. But the four clubs are calling for the traditional compensation after having a dozen players selected by AFL clubs and rookie Kane Mitchell upgraded on to Port Adelaide's senior list.
Claremont announced a loss of $109,910, after depreciation, for the 12 months ending October 30.
