AFL Under-18 National Championships: Western Bulldogs father-son prospect Rhylee West a standout in Vic Metro win

FATHER-SON propsect Rhylee West enjoyed a superb start to the Under-18 National Championships, starring in Vic Metro’s 18-point win over Western Australia.

Rhylee West (right) looms as a father-son pick for the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Scott Barbour.

FATHER-SON propsect Rhylee West enjoyed a superb start to the Under-18 National Championships on Sunday, displaying the tenacity his father Scott was renowned for in Vic Metro’s 18-point win over Western Australia.

West finished with 25 disposals, nine clearances and kicked a goal in Vic Metro’s 14.10 (94) to 12.4 (76) triumph, producing a performance which prompted coach Martin Allison to suggest Western Bulldogs fans had plenty to “look forward to”.

“Particularly his first three quarters, they really set the tone for us,” Allison said.

“He finished with 25 (possessions) for the day and he had 21 of those in the first three quarters.”

West trained with the Bulldogs during pre-season and the Calder Cannons midfielder appears a certainty to land at Whitten Oval.

“Rhylee has still got a bit of improvement to go,” Allison said.

Rhylee West is tackled by Western Australia’s Graydon Wilson on Sunday. Picture: Paul Kane.

“He’s not readymade just yet. But he is well on his way and I think the Doggies fans can really look forward to him coming to the Bulldogs.”

Allison said West was one of his squad’s leading contested-football winners.

“If you’re just an outside player, you’re not going to make it at AFL level,” he said.

“All of our players can win their own footy. But, that said, Rhylee West is probably in the top bracket of those.”

West was one of three Cannons to feature in Vic Metro’s first match, with Curtis Taylor and Lachie Sholl also selected.

Allison was full of praise for Sholl, a hard-running wingman from St Bernard’s, after his tireless display.

“When I was watching, I didn’t really see the work, until I watched the game again,” he said. “He really jumped out. His workrate was phenomenal.

“He seemed to be everywhere and having something to do in some really important plays.”

Taylor, a Keilor junior, suffered a “minor” knee injury in the first quarter but returned to “have a hand in a couple of goals”.

Vic Metro next takes on the Allies in Southport on Saturday from 11am before its grudge match against Vic Country at the MCG on Sunday, June 24.