East Perth backman Jake Soutar looms as the most surprising of state league footballers to be picked up in the mid-season rookie draft on Tuesday, with a Victorian club showing interest.
The West Australian can reveal North Melbourne met with Soutar during the week as they look to bolster their defensive stocks.
It would be an incredible rise for Soutar, who has only established himself in the Royals’ backline this year.
A 190cm key position player, Soutar made his league debut against Claremont in round 20 of last year before playing in the Royals’ reserves premiership victory against the Tigers.
Soutar, 19, had a whopping 28 touches and nine marks in round one to force his way back into the league side the next week, where he has played the past five games averaging 11 touches and five marks.
North Melbourne opened up a spot on their list on Friday when they put first-year defender Blake Thredgold on the inactive list because of a foot injury.
The Kangaroos have been on the hunt for key defenders, having also shown interest in Claremont backman Jasper Peace.
As revealed by The West Australian, Peace was interviewed by the Eagles during the week on the back of a standout 18 months at the Tigers.
Several other WAFL stars are also in line to earn a spot on an AFL list on Tuesday.
West Perth’s Kane Bevan is tipped to go after attracting interest from several clubs including West Coast and Greater Western Sydney.
Perth ruckman Josh Edwards has been scouted by both Essendon and Collingwood who are desperate for ruck depth, while Tigers small forward turned midfielder Zac Mainwaring has also caught the eye of several clubs.
South Fremantle premiership wingman Jaxon Artemis is tipped to be the No.1 pick after a standout start to the season for Tasmania’s VFL side.
Meanwhile, former Bulldogs reserves backman Tom Bell has developed strongly at Adelaide’s SANFL side with the Crows and Eagles among the potential contenders to give him a spot on the list.
