Diorites product officially lands at West Coast

Mines Rovers’ standing as a hotbed for budding AFL players was boosted on Friday when Malakai Champion officially landed at West Coast as a Category B Rookie. He formally joins the Eagles as a member of the AFL club’s Next Generation Academy following several years as a highly touted small-forward whose balanced temperament was viewed as a key asset in his efforts to be drafted. Champion’s stocks rose even higher during testing at the recent Draft Combine, where he ranked fifth in the 20m sprint, and second on the agility test. A year ago, he had plotted a big preseason after being one of five WA youngsters named in the 2024 AFL and AFLW Academy squads. The 18-year-old burst to prominence three years ago when he was named in the under-16 All-Australian team after starring at the national carnival. Champion’s success is no surprise to Mines Rovers coach Marc Johnstone, who in 2021 promoted him to the blue-and-whites’ league team for a round 18 clash with Boulder at just 15 years old. The selection required the permission of the youngster’s mother, but he kicked three goals on debut. Champion this year played five senior games for Subiaco in the WAFL and kicked seven goals. Mines Rovers continue to churn out an impressive line of talented youngsters, including Robert Hansen Jr, who was selected by North Melbourne in this year’s AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft. The Kangaroos swooped on the Subiaco sharpshooter at pick No.2 and he made his AFL debut in July against West Coast at Optus Stadium. Another Diorites product, Tyrell Dewar, was selected by West Coast in the 2022 AFL rookie draft.