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Jarrod Brander delisted by West Coast Eagles after failing to find new home in AFL trade period

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Chris RobinsonThe West Australian
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Jarrod Brander has been delisted.
Camera IconJarrod Brander has been delisted. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Photos

Jarrod Brander is on the lookout for a new home after the former first-round draft pick’s time at West Coast officially came to an end.

The Eagles this morning confirmed they had delisted the 22-year-old, who arrived at the club as a highly-touted prospect after being selected with pick 13 at the 2017 draft.

Brander’s manager David Trotter has indicated the youngster’s options will become clearer later in the week.

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The West Australian understands there was some interest from Geelong and Carlton during the trade period.

Brander could only muster 22 games across four seasons at AFL level, struggling to find a permanent place in the senior line-up after being trialled in a number of positions.

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His major stumbling block was the club’s key position riches. He was behind Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Oscar Allen in the tall forward pecking order, with the likes of Bailey Williams or Nathan Vardy also preferred if ruck back up to Nic Naitanui was required.

Brander made 11 appearances in a career-best 2021 that included an encouraging round seven derby win over Fremantle, where he was among West Coast’s best with 16 disposals and two goals.

But he would play just six more games after that, with the Eagles unsuccessfully looking to shift him during the trade period before today’s call.

“Following discussions with his management the club has delisted Jarrod, who is keen to explore other opportunities,” Recruiting and List Manager Rohan O’Brien said.

“We thank Jarrod for his contribution to the club over the past four years and wish him all the best for the future.”

Brander after kicking a goal against Collingwood this year.
Camera IconBrander after kicking a goal against Collingwood this year. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Photos

Now a delisted free agent, Brander is set to put his hand up for next month’s draft as he looks to kick-start his career at a new club.

Last week, Trotter said he was confident the Bendigo Pioneers product would find a new AFL home.

“He wants to continue his AFL career. There wouldn’t be too many people out there who think he’s not good enough to be on an AFL list,” Trotter said on Trade Radio.

VideoJarrod Brander kicks an easy Eagles goal thanks to a horror Geelong turnover.

Originally tried as a key forward, 195cm Brander showed glimpses of promising form as a wingman this year before ultimately falling out of favour.

Fremantle football manager Peter Bell last week said the Dockers hadn’t ruled out giving Brander a lifeline in what would be a rare cross-town move.

“We’ve had some conversations around Jarrod and where we’d see his game progressing,” Bell told 6PR.

“At this stage, it hasn’t amounted to anything. He’s certainly got size on his side.”

But the Dockers appear likely to draft at least two tall options at next month’s national draft with Jye Amiss and Jacob Van Rooyen near the top of the draft pecking order and Eric Benning available to them as an NGA player.

It is understood the club would then assess Brander as a potential rookie if he is available.

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