Western Bulldogs father-son prospect Rhylee West has hallmarks of his famous father Scott

RHYLEE West says he is unfazed by the pressure to emulate his famous father’s AFL exploits as he chases a career at the top level.

Rhylee West had a monster game against Eastern Ranges earlier this season. Picture: Getty Images.

RHYLEE West says he is unfazed by the pressure to emulate his famous father’s AFL exploits as he chases a career at the top level.

The son of Western Bulldogs champion Scott West, Rhylee trained at Whitten Oval during pre-season and is expected to be snapped up as a father-son selection at this year’s AFL national draft.

A tough inside midfielder, Rhylee’s playing style has inevitably been compared to his dad’s.

“There is a bit of pressure,” Rhylee said.

“But I just sweep it off and don’t really put too much pressure on myself to be as good as he was.

“Because obviously he was a great player. I just take it in my stride.”

Rhylee was eight when his dad played the last of his 324 games in the red, white and blue, accumulating seven Charles Sutton medals and five All-Australian selections during a storied career.

“I remember sitting in the crèche and watching him on TV and sometimes going out on the ground with him,” he said.

“Having him as my dad is probably one of the greatest advantages I have.”

Rhylee West bursts through a tackle during a match between the AFL Academy and North Melbourne VFL. Picture: Getty Images.

The Strathmore junior was limited to five TAC Cup appearances for Calder Cannons last year by injury and school football commitments at St Kevin’s.

West, who stands at 180cm and weighs 81kg, gave Western Bulldogs supporters a taste of what is to come in Round 2 this season.

The 17-year-old collected 29 disposals, four marks and laid six tackles against Eastern Ranges in a best-afield display.

“Last year was a bit unfortunate with the foot injury,” he said. “But this year has started off strong and hopefully I can carry that throughout the whole year.”

The physical on-baller relishes contested footy with the same enthusiasm his father did, averaging four tackles per game in his first TAC Cup campaign last year.

“I see some of his highlights and it is some of the stuff I try and do out on the field,” West said. “I can definitely see why people compare us.”

West has two strong role models to learn from as he prepares for the next step, fellow Calder Cannons father-son selections Mitch Wallis and Tom Liberatore.

The AFL pair forged the same path West is set to embark on after their fathers Steve (261 games) and Tony (283 matches) enjoyed long careers with the Bulldogs.

“We didn’t really speak directly about it but I guess it is sort of just implied,” Rhylee said. “Mitch has dealt with it well and so has Libba. Hopefully I can emulate that.”

Scott West with his boys, Rhylee, Cooper and Kobi after announcing his retirement. Picture: Jay Town.

West said he had been fortunate to be part of the AFL academy and hone his game under the tutelage of coaches including former Brisbane Lions on-baller Luke Power.

“It’s one of the advantages that 38 or 39 players have,” he said.

“Being exposed to elite facilities, elite coaches and a lot of things a lot of other draftees don’t really get.”

West said the Cannons had assembled a squad capable of achieving success this year under coach Ross Smith.

“Last year we had a bit of disappointment but this year under Ross (Smith’s) coaching, he’s really leading us in the right direction,” he said.

“I think we have got a great mix of boys. We should go hopefully pretty far.”

West and Essendon father-son prospect Mason Fletcher are two of Calder’s leading draft prospects this year.