Rhylee West will wear his father Scott’s original No. 14 jumper at the Western Bulldogs next season

When Rhylee West makes his AFL debut, it won’t be the first time he has run out with the Western Bulldogs. The young gun was next to his father Scott for his 300th game. But when it comes to wearing his dad’s old number, there is a catch.

Rhylee West has arrived at the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Tony Gough

Western Bulldogs draftee Rhylee West will wear his father Scott’s original No. 14 jumper next season, but insists he won’t be weighed down by the pressure of carrying his famous surname into his own AFL career.

In fact, the 18-year-old feels privileged to join four other father-son selections at the Whitten Oval, having been taken at pick 26 in this year’s national draft.

“It is pretty special to play at the club that my old man played at, and I guess carry the legacy on with the name,” Rhylee said.

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“(The name) comes with pressures, but it also comes with its privileges. I have no regrets having the name.”

A phone call from coach Luke Beveridge was the catalyst behind Rhylee agreeing to take on Clay Smith’s No. 14, which was also the number his dad wore in his first two seasons.

Scott later went on to make his name in No. 7, where he played the bulk of his 324 AFL games, winning a club record seven Charlie Sutton Medals.

Rhylee West with his dad Scott and his new No.14 jumper. Picture: AFL Media

“Bevo rang me after I got drafted and asked me if I wanted to wear No. 14, which I guess carries on from Dad’s first couple of seasons,” Rhylee said.

“It is good to be taking it on from Clay Smith, who was a good character around the club and a key to their success in 2016.”

Scott recalled the time that as an eight-year-old Rhylee told him he wanted to play AFL football, while adding he might not be the last West family member to join the club.

West’s 15-year-old twins, Kobi and Cooper, are already in the Calder Cannons development program, while 10-year-old Levi is also progressing well.

“Hopefully, there’s more to come,” Scott said.

Scott West with his kids Rhylee, Cooper, Levi and Kobi.

“To have an 18-year-old son at an AFL club now does make you feel older. His mum and I have really supported him through everything, and he has been a great kid all of his life. To be here is a special moment.”

Rhylee doesn’t remember much about his father’s stellar career, but does recalling running out before the 2006 semi final against West Coast — as a six-year-old — alongside his dad in what was his 300th AFL game.

He looks and plays like his father — with one notable exception. He’s a right-footer, and his dad famously was a left-footer.

Scott West with his son Rhylee back in 2002.

“I didn’t get dad’s genes in that area,” he said. “(But I’m) similar to him, a hard midfielder who likes to go in hard for the ball, who also likes to go forward and kick a goal.”

Then he added with a smile: “I’m similar to dad, with a few more tricks.”

He will speak with fellow father-son Bulldogs — Lachie Hunter, Mitch Wallis, Tom Liberatore and Zaine Cordy — about dealing with the pressure, but is hopeful of making an immediate impression next year.

“I like to hope so,” he said about playing senior football next year. “I’ll hopefully be getting into pre-season and build my tank, get a bit more strength.”

“I guess it is up to Bevo, but hopefully I can push my name up for selection.”

Originally published as Rhylee West will wear his father Scott’s original No. 14 jumper at the Western Bulldogs next season