<h2>West Coast Eagles Receive Priority Pick in AFL Assistance Package - Three Point Summary:&nbsp;</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- West Coast Eagles receive an end-of-first-round draft pick and four additional rookie list spots across three seasons</p> <p>-AFL grants an assistance package following the Eagles' horror run of just 11 wins from their past 91 matches</p> <p>-The package mirrors North Melbourne's 2023 assistance deal, with provisions for AFL review if circumstances change</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The AFL has awarded West Coast Eagles a comprehensive assistance package, including draft picks and expanded list spots, following their catastrophic on-field decline.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Eagles Land Crucial Draft Pick Assistance</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>West Coast Eagles have secured a significant boost to their rebuilding efforts after the AFL approved their request for competition assistance. The struggling club will receive an end-of-first-round draft pick, currently positioned at Pick 19 but expected to slide to Pick 21 or 22 following free agency compensation adjustments.</p> <p>The assistance package represents a lifeline for the 2018 premiers, who endured a horror 2025 campaign, finishing last on the ladder. Their recent form tells a damning story - just 11 victories from their past 91 matches across multiple seasons.</p> <p>Eagles CEO Don Pyke acknowledged the club's accountability while expressing gratitude for the AFL's intervention. "Submitting an assistance request was not a decision we took lightly, and the club accepts and takes responsibility for previous decisions which contributed to our current situation," Pyke stated.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Comprehensive Support Structure</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The assistance extends beyond a single draft pick, with West Coast granted four additional rookie list spots for each of the next three seasons. This expanded capacity allows the Eagles to invest in developing younger talent while building squad depth.</p> <p>AFL Executive General Manager Football Performance Greg Swann emphasised the importance of competitive balance. "The Eagles have won only nine games in the past three seasons and finished in the bottom three of the ladder in the past four seasons," Swann noted, highlighting the necessity for intervention.</p> <p>The package mirrors assistance previously granted to struggling clubs, particularly North Melbourne's 2023 deal. The Kangaroos received similar end-of-first-round picks and rookie list expansions, demonstrating the AFL's commitment to equalisation measures.</p> <p>However, the assistance comes with conditions. The AFL reserves the right to review or alter support provisions in 2027 and 2028 should West Coast's circumstances materially improve, ensuring the assistance serves its intended rebuilding purpose rather than providing unfair long-term advantages.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Strategic Implications for List Management</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>West Coast's new-look football department, led by senior coach Andrew McQualter and Head of Football John Worsfold, will oversee the strategic deployment of these resources. The additional draft capital could prove crucial in trade negotiations, particularly with potential targets like Brisbane's Brandon Starcevich in their sights.</p> <p>The timing proves significant with co-captain Oscar Allen expected to depart for Brisbane as a free agent, likely netting West Coast Pick 2 as compensation. Combined with their assistance pick and existing selections, the Eagles possess substantial draft ammunition for their rebuild.</p> <p>The club's investment above the soft cap demonstrates its commitment to reversing fortunes through comprehensive football department improvements. This financial backing, coupled with the AFL's assistance package, provides West Coast with the resources necessary to accelerate its return to competitiveness.</p> <p>The assistance package acknowledges the unique challenges facing struggling clubs in modern AFL, including compromised national drafts and the difficulty of attracting talent to poorly performing teams. For West Coast supporters, it represents hope that their club's sustained excellence can eventually return.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><em>For all the latest AFL Trade, Free Agency and Contract news this off-season, keep clicking back to<strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/afl">The Huddle</a></strong> to keep you across all the movement and where your club's picks for the<strong> <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/afl/news/2025-afl-draft-order">2025 AFL Draft</a></strong> fall.</em></p>