Four WAFL players snapped up in AFL Mid-Season Rookie DraftWednesday, May 28, 2025 - 5:11 PM - by Jordan McArdle

Four WAFL players have realised their AFL dreams in Wednesday’s AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft.

Peel Thunder premiership defender Michael Sellwood was the first West Aussie picked up, with Western Bulldogs swooping with pick five.

It was back-to-back selections for WA boom Subiaco recruit Archer May drafted to Essendon with the sixth selection in the draft.

Both 21-year-old Sellwood and May, 20, featured in the Kia State WAFL team’s drought-breaking victory over the SANFL at Adelaide Oval earlier this month.

Emerging West Perth speedster Roan Steele, 23, was one of the bolters of the night, joining Collingwood with pick eight.

Essendon addressed their need for tall timber by plucking mature-aged East Fremantle big man Lachie Blakiston, 26, with pick 13.

WAFL Competitions Manager Luke Sanders congratulated the players on reaching the AFL and the role WAFL clubs have played to help them in their journey.

“We’re delighted to see four players from the WAFL realise their AFL dreams in Wednesday’s Mid-Season Rookie Draft,” Sanders said.

“We can’t wait to witness the next chapter of these talented footballers' careers after seeing their development through WAFL ranks and State talent pathways.

“A special thanks goes out to WAFL clubs, schools, coaches, volunteers, family members and friends who’ve helped make it possible for these players to achieve their goals of making it to the AFL.

"To see four WAFL players selected in the AFL Mid-Season Draft is a great result not only for them, it also shows the strength of the WAFL competition as an elite breeding ground for the AFL for young developing and mature players to be considered.

"WA Football acknowledge the impact these selections may have on the performance of WAFL Clubs by losing a player at a critical stage of the season."

WA Football’s Executive Manager of Performance and Pathways Peter Bell praised the draftees on their dedication and persistence to earn their shot in the AFL.

“All four players picked up were 20 years of age or above, including one aged 26, which just shows that it’s never too late to realise your AFL dreams,” Bell said.

“It’s excellent to see players like Michael Sellwood and Lachie Blakiston who have perseverance their way through the WAFL’s colts and reserves programs to become regulars at WAFL senior level, working hard to catch the eye of AFL recruiters.”

WA players selected in AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft

Michael Sellwood (Peel Thunder): Pick 5 to Western Bulldogs

Archer May (Subiaco): Pick 6 to Essendon

Roan Steele (West Perth): Pick 8 to Collingwood

Lachie Blakiston (East Fremantle): Pick 13 to Essendon