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AFL scouts have eyes on Swan Riddoch

Greg Harding is full of praise for Rudy Riddoch. Pic: WA News

Swan Districts coach Greg Harding says self-belief and a consistent WAFL season is all that stands between Rudy Riddoch and a shot at an AFL career.

Riddoch, 22, struggled with his fitness last year and spent most of his time in the reserves despite Swans’ emphasis on promoting young talent from within their zone.

But the powerful half-forward has been a revelation this season for the black-and-whites, capitalising on an injury-free pre-season and cutting his playing weight in the process.

Riddoch kicked a career-high four goals from 18 disposals in last Saturday’s 31-point loss to East Fremantle at Steel Blue Oval. His explosive pace and ability to break multiple tackles marked the Bassendean footballer as one of the potential finds of the season.

Swans had started their season strongly before the loss to East Fremantle, which dropped them to sixth heading into today’s clash with West Perth at HBF Arena.

Riddoch’s highlight reel was capped off by his second goal against the tide to start the final term. The 185cm forward charged through two Sharks defenders before nailing the major from 40m on the run in a brutal show of strength.

Harding said Riddoch, who first joined the club at under-16s level, was being monitored by AFL recruiters.

“He played his best game for the club,” Harding said.

“With Rudy, if he can find some self-belief, which comes from playing games on end, he’s going to be a really good player for us. He’s an AFL talent, there’s no doubt about that.

“In terms of power and speed and ability, he has some traits that are AFL standard, but he hasn’t proven he can do it for long enough periods to be considered in that light just yet.

“That’s the challenge for Rudy Riddoch, to take all that talent and quite simply make the most of it. Recruiters have been watching him. He needs to string a whole season of really solid football together and reduce the gap between his worst game and his best game. This year to this point, he’s doing that.”

Harding made four changes for today’s game, with teenager Sean Fletcher named to make his league debut. Trent Manzone and Corey Chalmers were promoted for the Falcons.