Royals Recruits

East Perth has capped off a stellar year by having 3 of our local zone players recruited onto AFL lists.

Sam Powell-Pepper from Mt Hawthorn JFC was selected at pick 18 by Port Adelaide. The hard as nails midfielder is an exciting prospect and the Club will watch with enthusiasm to see what Sam can do at the Power.

Tom Gorter from Kojonup was selected at pick 12 of the Rookie Draft by the West Coast Eagles. Making his League debut half way through last year Tom became an integral part of the senior team, culminating with a best afield performance against eventual Premiers, Peel Thunder in the Elimination Final. Tom also won the East Perth Best First Year Player award. Tom is the first player to be drafted onto an AFL list from Kojonup.

Tarir Bayok was selected as a Category B International Rookie. Born in Sudan, Tarir came to East Perth through the Ellenbrook Dockers. The speedster made recruiters sit up and take notice by posting the second fastest 20m sprint in Combine history at this year’s state screening.

‘It’s pleasing for us and the clubs in our zone to have three young men drafted into the AFL’ Football Operations Manager Mark Winnett said. ‘We wish Sam all the best at the Power. He is a fantastic person and is always welcome at East Perth.’ 

‘It is exciting to see Tom and Tarir be drafted by the Eagles. It’s an outstanding and well deserved achievement for these boys. It’s great for East Perth because the club can continue to watch, support and be involved in some way as the boys continue to develop to reach their potential.’