Box Hill forward Ryan Maric seems destined to be the first player picked in Wednesday’s mid-season draft.
With West Coast holding that selection, Maric could be jetting across the Nullarbor as soon as Thursday and the key forward was asked whether he had spoken to Eagles coach Adam Simpson at this stage.
“I’ve never spoken to Simmo, not once,” Maric replied SEN WA Breakfast.
“The guys I’ve sort of spoken to are Rohan O'Brien and Dwayne Matthews, so I spoke to them twice and there was a couple of recruiters as well.
“I’ve had 11 interviews with different clubs now, so I’ve had quite a bit of interest, which is nice.
While the 19-year-old has attracted interest from every club that holds a pick, a move to Perth appears almost certain and he was asked how he felt about moving interstate as he hails from the Gippsland Power.
“Yeah, I'd love it,” Maric replied.
“I reckon I feel like I’ve always been an independent person.
“I’d love a challenge just to get on any list, whatever club is willing to take me I’ll put 100 per cent into them.
“If that means moving interstate, I couldn’t think of anything better.”
Holding the number one pick in the draft has come about with the Eagles sitting last on the ladder with a 1-10 record through 10 rounds.
While West Coast are clearly struggling on field, Maric is confident the club can turn it around in a short period with their current form not worrying the teenager.
“It's always in the media now when clubs go bad, you can always find information about it, but it doesn't really phase me,” Maric said.
“We know that they can turn around pretty quickly, look at clubs like Collingwood and Melbourne's just sort of risen from the bottom up to the top of the ladder.
“It's just a bit tragic with so many injuries and not being able to people on the park, but it doesn't turn me off at all.”
While he’s still just a fan, as of tomorrow Maric could be calling the likes of Jeremy McGovern a teammate and he was asked what Eagles he was most looking forward to potentially playing alongside if he is drafted there.
“My favourite Eagle not just learning from, but I've always liked watching Elliot Yeo as a young bloke,” Maric said.
“But to learn from, someone like Oscar Allen would be a good mentor.”
The mid-season draft begins at 7pm (AEST) on Wednesday night.