AFL Suitors Court Jake Soutar

At least a dozen clubs have spoken to emerging East Perth defender Jake Soutar ahead of next month’s Telstra AFL Draft.

Having played and trained for an opportunity at the top level, Soutar now must sit tight and bide his time.

“It’s a bit of a wait to be honest, just trying to keep myself busy until Draft day,” Soutar said.

The 20-year-old feels he’s far better equipped to handle entering the AFL system than he was as an 18-year-old.

“I think two years ago I wasn’t mature enough, and the work I do now I didn’t have the right mindset back then,” he said.

“I feel I was working hard at 18 years of age but perhaps putting time into the wrong things.

“Quality as opposed to quality with my training has been the key.”

After starting 2026 in the Reserves, Soutar was called into the League side the following week and never looked back, averaging 16 disposals and seven marks in 20 games.

Soutar’s biggest asset for the Royals was his ability to shut down a key forward and win his own ball through intercept marking.

“I feel that’s the main area I have improved, and I supposed that is what recruiters are looking for,” he said.

“Someone who can win their own ball in a one-on-one and beat their opponent.”

His form led to speculation North Melbourne would grab him in the Mid-Season Draft.

“I had some conversations, but nothing came of it,” he said.

Soutar’s stand-out form continued until the Royals were knocked out of the premiership race by Claremont in the Preliminary Final, earning him the club’s Fairest and Best.

“It was a good year, and I started to play well and grow every week and I guess that was rewarded and recognised with the F.D Book Medal,” Soutar said.

Heading into the Draft Soutar has spoken to more than half the clubs at AFL level.

His performance at the recent Combine also attracted plenty of interest.

“I was a bit nervous at the start of the Combine, particularly the 2km time trial but I was pretty happy with the way I performed,” Soutar said.

The 190 centimetre key defender clocked 6 minutes 32 for the trial in a sign of his athleticism.

A Fremantle Dockers fan, Soutar will travel anywhere to receive an opportunity.

After starting the season in the WAFL Reserves, being selected would complete a remarkable year.