WAFL 2024: West Perth set to sign former West Coast defender Josh Rotham after Eagles delisting

Former West Coast defender Josh Rotham is set to return to West Perth, with the Falcons believed to be securing his signature in the coming days. The West Australian understands Rotham, 26, will return to the Falcons for the first time since 2016, having played 23 colts games and two reserves clashes for the Joondalup-based side before being picked up by the Eagles. Rotham was delisted by West Coast at the end of the season after 72 games in eight seasons, having been selected with pick No.37 in the 2016 national draft. The 193cm defender played 13 games this season before being one of eight Eagles to be delisted at the end of the 2024 season. There were talks he could end up at Essendon but it is now believed he will stay in Perth to re-join the Faclcons. Rotham’s signature will be crucial for the Falcons after losing star swingman Noah Pegoraro who is heading to Melbourne to join partner Sasha Glasgow who plays for Super Netball side the Melbourne Mavericks. Fellow defender Mark Hamilton has also retired, leaving the Falcons short of key defensive depth. It is understood East Perth were in the frame for Rotham given he played 30 games for the Royals in 2017 and 2018 because of the Eagles alignment, but they could not fit him in because of their limited points. West Perth have been on a strong recruiting drive with premiership star Mitch Peirce returning after a year away, while midfielders Roan Steele and Bake Waight have joined from Casey Demons and Glenorchy respectively. They have also signed 199cm ruckman Matthew McKenzie from North Adelaide, after he averaged 12 touches and 16.5 hit-outs in 10 games. Rotham is one of several former AFL players to return to the WAFL after being delisted. Former Eagles teammate Zane Trew is back at Swan Districts, while Fremantle defender Ethan Hughes has joined South Fremantle alongside former Collingwood and West Coast WAFL player Trey Ruscoe and Eagles defender Jamaine Jones. East Perth have recruited former Geelong and Hawthorn midfielder Cooper Stephens, while Sebit Kuek (Fremantle) and Jordyn Baker (West Coast) have returned from stints on AFL lists. Essendon mid-season draftee Jaiden Hunter has joined Claremont, while former Fremantle rookie Conrad Williams has signed with Perth.