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Keitel has gone to Falcons for a flag

Tyler Keitel is happy with the opportunities offered by West Perth. Pic: Ben Crabtree/WA News

When Tyler Keitel pulled on a West Perth jumper for the first time two weeks ago, it was the end of three months in football limbo.

But rather than concerning himself with the past, the 19-year-old key-position player said the game, a seven-point loss to Swan Districts in the reserves, was more significant because of what it meant for his future.

Keitel sparked one of the more spiteful transfer sagas in recent seasons when he decided to leave East Perth and sign a two-year deal with their traditional rivals in February.

The move was blocked by the Royals at every turn before an independent arbitrator finally cleared the way for the teenager to join the Falcons late last month.

Having been unable to train or play throughout the process, Keitel has been forced to earn his spot in the league side through the reserves.

But after averaging 20 disposals and five marks in his first two appearances for the club, he could push for senior selection as early as Saturday’s game against his former club at HBF Arena.

Keitel wouldn’t discuss his reasons for leaving the Royals other than saying he believed he would be given more opportunities elsewhere.

He said after emerging from one of the more difficult periods in his life, he was ready to move on and tackle the next chapter.

“It was a pretty full-on three months but I got through it unscathed, so I’m happy,” he said.

“I think the opportunities are greater at West Perth and everything they’ve offered me and done for me to date is second to none. I made the decision and I stuck by that decision. I can’t really be happier.”

Keitel was overlooked at last year’s national draft despite showing ability at both ends of the ground playing for WA at the AFL under-18 championships.

He remains on the radar of several recruiters.

Keitel says he still has the ambition to make it to the next level, but also wants to repay the Falcons for the faith they’ve shown in him.

“I’ve always said that my dream is to play AFL football,” he said.

“But one key thing that I’ve told West Perth is that I haven’t just come across to get myself drafted, I’ve come across to win a premiership.”