WAFL star Isiah Winder not giving up on AFL lifeline

Jackson Clark Published June 4, 2024 at 9.00am (AWST)

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Isiah Winder is averaging 25 disposals per game for South Fremantle this season. (Image: The West Australian)

Despite being overlooked in last week's AFL Mid-Season draft, talented West Australian Isiah Winder is not giving up on receiving an AFL lifeline.

The 22-year-old spent three seasons on West Coast's AFL list, culminating in seven games between 2021 and 2023.

Despite showing glimpses of strong talent, the Noongar man was ultimately delisted by the Eagles at the conclusion of the 2023 season.

Winder signed with West Australian Football League club South Fremantle during the pre-season and has had a superb start to his year, averaging 25 disposals and a goal per game.

The midfielder said that he was enjoying his footy at the Bulldogs and hoped for another opportunity at the elite level.

"I'm having a good time and I do back my confidence, I've made a lot of changes with my footy," Winder told Nine News Perth.

"I've always wanted to be an impactful player and (to) be able to use the ball well.

"Being able to be a mid that kicks goals helps the team a lot."

Winder – who was originally selected by West Coast with pick 57 in the 2020 AFL Draft – is coming off a 32-disposal two-goal performance a fortnight ago against Peel Thunder, followed by 28 disposals last weekend against East Fremantle.

South Fremantle are currently sitting third on the WAFL ladder with six wins and two losses after eight matches.

The Bulldogs are Winder's third WAFL club having played three senior games for Peel Thunder and a further 27 with West Coast's reserves team.

*Winder spent three seasons on West Coast's AFL list. (Image: Jackson Flindell/The West Australian)*

Despite struggling with injury on occasion last season he had a solid 2023 campaign, averaging 24.3 disposals in what was a dismal year for the Eagles.

Frustratingly, Winder is carrying a knee injury that will likely require post-season surgery and sideline him for around three months.

"It's been there for a while now and hopefully I can get it right," Winder said.

Winder was disappointed at being overlooked in the mid-season draft, but understands the reasons why and is not giving up on an AFL reprieve somewhere down the track.

"Sides are picking up blokes who are ready to play and an (injury) niggle was a bit of a risk (for clubs), so I understand where they are coming from," he said.

"I'm probably just not at 100% health at the moment.

"When you get drafted to the club you obviously want to be a 100-200-game player, but that just wasn't my journey at the time."