<h2>Young Eagle Turns Down Contract Offer, Requests Move Home to Carlton - Three point Summary:&nbsp;</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- West Coast midfielder Campbell Chesser has requested a trade to Carlton, rejecting a two-year contract extension from the Eagles</p> <p>- The athletic wingman finished the 2025 season strongly, playing the final four AFL games after overcoming ankle surgery</p> <p>- Chesser's departure represents a significant blow to West Coast's rebuild under coach Andrew McQualter</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>West Coast's Campbell Chesser has officially requested a trade to Carlton, turning down a two-year contract extension to pursue a homecoming to Victoria.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Chesser Chooses Carlton Over Eagles Extension</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The 22-year-old midfielder's trade request delivers a setback to West Coast's rebuilding phase under Andrew McQualter. Chesser, selected with pick 14 in the 2021 AFL draft, has opted to pursue opportunities closer to home despite the Eagles' commitment to his long-term future.</p> <p>Carlton's interest in Chesser aligns with their midfield recruitment strategy, particularly targeting players with pace and versatility. The athletic wingman's decision to reject West Coast's two-year offer suggests Carlton has presented an attractive proposition for his AFL career development.</p> <p>West Coast invested significantly in Chesser's development, extending his initial contract by two years during 2022 while he recovered from serious ankle injuries. The Eagles' faith in his potential makes this trade request particularly disappointing for the club's long-term planning.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Strong Finish Highlights Trade Value</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Chesser's 2025 campaign demonstrated his AFL capabilities despite injury setbacks. After ankle surgery in February, he methodically worked through seven WAFL games before earning selection against Melbourne in round 21.</p> <p>His form trajectory impressed throughout the season's final month. Against Adelaide in round 22, Chesser contributed to West Coast's strong team performance, building momentum for his standout display against the Western Bulldogs.</p> <p>The Western Bulldogs match showcased Chesser's ceiling, recording career-best statistics with 22 disposals and 10 contested possessions. His run-and-carry ability, combined with contested ball-winning, highlighted the attributes Carlton seeks in their midfield mix.</p> <p>McQualter praised Chesser's rehabilitation work and physical conditioning improvements. "He's physically as gifted as anyone on our list," the coach noted, emphasising his running capacity and contested football toughness.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Eagles Face Rebuild Setback</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Chesser's departure compounds West Coast's youth development challenges. Having played 32 games across three seasons, he represented emerging talent the Eagles hoped would anchor their midfield rebuild.</p> <p>The timing proves particularly frustrating given Chesser's injury-interrupted start to AFL football. West Coast supported him through ankle complications, providing surgery and rehabilitation resources to maximise his playing opportunities.</p> <p>His athletic profile suited West Coast's transition game plan perfectly. The combination of speed, skill, and contested ball-winning offered the Eagles a point of difference in their young midfield group.</p> <p>Carlton's successful pursuit suggests their midfield strategy is attracting quality ball users seeking opportunity and development as the club looks to reset its playing list in the off-season with several high-profile departures looming.&nbsp;</p> <p>For the Eagles, losing Chesser after substantial investment highlights the challenges facing rebuilding AFL clubs in retaining emerging talent.</p> <p>The trade period will determine what compensation West Coast receives for a player they viewed as integral to their future success.</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>