The West Coast Eagles have drafted players through the Australian Football League's draft system, beginning with the 1988 VFL draft. The West Coast Eagles have participated in every national draft since then, and also participated in the pre-season draft (first held in 1989), the mid-season draft (held from 1990–1993), and the rookie draft (first held in 1997). So far, the West Coast Eagles have drafted over 200 players through the draft system, with another 30 or so being recruited via the VFL's old zone recruitment system prior to 1993.