THE WAFL competition has been bolstered by the addition of eight West Coast and Fremantle recruits ahead of the 2009 season.
When not playing for the Dockers or Eagles, the eight players will represent their allocated WAFL club in the local competition.
East Perth, Claremont and Perth have each added two AFL interstate recruits to their playing ranks with Peel Thunder and East Fremantle receiving one each.
The recruits were allocated in a reverse-draft order, featuring the five lowest finishing teams from last season.
WAFL operations manager Clint Roberts said the arrangement would be a win-win scenario for the players and the clubs.
“In the past the WAFL clubs, and particularly the coaches, have done a great job in integrating these players into their clubs and helping them to play their best football,” Roberts said.
“It is not easy coming to a new State, training with an AFL club and playing in the WAFL competition but all of these players in the past have enjoyed the experience and many have been outstanding in their contribution to their adopted clubs.”
The 2009 player allocation:
East Perth: Luke Shuey (West Coast), Zac Clarke (Fremantle)
Claremont: Nicholas Suban (Fremantle), Ben Bucovaz (Fremantle)
Perth: Ashley Smith (West Coast), Tim Ruffles (Fremantle)
Peel Thunder: Jordan Jones (West Coast)
East Fremantle: Chris Hall (Fremantle)