Former top mid-season draftee optimistic about receiving an AFL lifeline

Former West Coast midfielder Jai Culley is hoping to earn another shot at AFL level after being delisted following the 2024 season.

The number one pick in the 2022 Mid-Season Draft, Culley played three games for the Eagles coming off a torn ACL and struggled to break into the side from the WAFL.

He earned a Rising Star nomination in 2023 after kicking four goals against Port Adelaide, before the knee injury sidelined him.

Culley, who was in Bali when he received the news of his delisting, admits he was disappointed they didn’t persist with him.

“Obviously there’s been quite a few disappointing days recently with the news, but since my knee I’ve been progressing really well through that rehab period to get back as quickly as possible, but unfortunately didn’t have the year that I would’ve liked and that resulted (in my delisting),” Culley told SEN WA’s The Run Home.

“It’s a lot of mental scarring that you go through with the knee to try and get it back physically and mentally, which I thought I did a pretty good job.

“But as I said before, I didn’t have the year that I would have liked. I played some pretty good footy in the WAFL, but couldn’t transition that into the AFL and it is what it is at the moment.

“I knew there was a spot (in the AFL) side for me, but it took six or seven games to crack into the AFL team and I would’ve liked to crack in earlier, but once I was in there I didn’t hold my spot which was quite disappointing in my eyes.

“I’ve always prided myself on working hard each week and trying to improve and learn new things and I’m not one if I get knocked back to hold myself down, it’s always about what’s next for the future.”

Culley is optimistic about receiving an AFL lifeline, saying his manager has already had a few chats with teams.

“My manager has had a few positive chats. Hopefully things go my way and I land at a new home,” he said.

“I know I’ve got plenty of good footy left in me and I’m really positive and excited for what is next.”

Culley confirmed the Eagles have not offered him a spot training with them over summer in the hopes of a supplemental selection period pick-up.