South West’s Bailey Rogers, Tobe Watson and Kade Dittmar miss out during AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft

The usual South West suspects have continued their domination of the WAFL for 2022, but it was not enough to see Bailey Rogers, Tobe Watson and Kade Dittmar find their way onto an AFL list.

The trio were overlooked during Wednesday night’s Mid-Season Rookie Draft as 17 players across the country found new homes.

Bunbury-born reigning Sandover medallist Rogers did all he could to put his name forward and will Claremont to victory against Peel at the weekend, with 36 touches, 10 marks and seven inside 50s.

Spending most of the game in the midfield, Rogers was back at his best after an interrupted preseason and showed clubs across the country he would add value to any list.

Meanwhile, Donnybrook product Watson spent time in the midfield and forward early on Saturday for Swan Districts before settling into his more familiar role in the back line.

The former Docker was instrumental in the Swans nine-point win over South Fremantle, finishing with 22 possessions and five marks.

Meanwhile, South Fremantle big man Hamish Free was dominant in the ruck, recording a monstrous 55 hitouts, 16 disposals and a goal for the Bulldogs as the 2020 Harvey Bulls best and fairest continued to stamp himself as the premier ruckman in the competition.

Margaret River product Dittmar kicked multiple goals for the first time of his career at the weekend for East Perth against a West Coast side which included Dom Sheed and Elliot Yeo.

Dittmar kicked two goals and had eight disposals for the Royals as he looked to join an AFL list after he was unlucky to not be picked up in the 2021 AFL Draft.

Elsewhere, former Augusta-Margaret River big man Jonathon Marsh kicked five goals from 12 kicks at the weekend for East Fremantle, also recording five marks, five tackles and three inside 50s against Subiaco.