Schloithe earns shot at second chance
Former Fremantle rookie Haiden Schloithe might get a second chance at AFL level after he was one of 18 players invited to the WA draft combine this year.
Schloithe is one of several mature-age players to have caught the eye of recruiters after starring for South Fremantle this season.
At least two clubs have to show an interest in a player for them to win a place at the October 12 State screening.
The 21-year-old from Katanning has averaged almost 25 disposals and booted 20 goals from the midfield after being cut by the Dockers at the end of last season.
Schloithe said he had not spoken to any clubs but was willing to move anywhere in Australia to pursue his dream.
He was confident he could have an impact at the highest level.
"If I'm lucky enough to be given that chance, I have been with Freo for two years, so I do sort of know what it takes," he said.
"It was disappointing being delisted but I had that taste and know what it takes to be an AFL footballer.
"This year, it was just about getting back to Souths and really enjoying my football again and hopefully playing consistently each week and having a really good year."
Schloithe said he would likely train alongside the other Bulldogs invitees when the WAFL season finished as preparation for the combine.
Potential West Coast father-son pick Alec Waterman, son of Chris, heads the list of players from this year's WA under-18 team to earn a place at the combine.
Captain Brad Walsh (Peel), South Fremantle's Matthew Ah Siu and Claremont pair Ryan Lim and Sam Bevan were members of the AIS-AFL Academy who will show their wares at the screening.
Defender Dylan Winton, who has played eight league games for Peel this season, is considered unlucky not to have been among the 12 West Australians invited to the national combine.
Forward Cameron Loersch (South Fremantle), Swan Districts' Dylan Nelson, Subiaco key defender Adam Creeper and Claremont duo Jared Hardisty and Matthew Palfrey are the other youngsters hoping to impress.
Lively Tiger Brenden Abbott and teammate Darcy Cameron will try to press their claims again after being overlooked in 2013.
Blaine Boekhorst, 20, has starred for Swan Districts this season after being a fringe player for the previous three seasons, while teammate Alex Howard, 21, is another potential mature draftee.
Shane Yarran, 25, is the oldest player invited to the testing after booting 31 goals from 16 games with Subiaco this season as a relative newcomer to the game.
Former Claremont colts player Shannon Taylor, 20, will attend the Melbourne draft screening after starring for Frankston in the VFL this season.
