1997-98 offseason

West Coast were not particularly active during the trade period, with their sole activity confined to finding new homes for some fringe players (Spinks, Blurton and Craig Smoker). A couple of popular veterans in Peter Sumich and David Hart announced their retirements.

The club's drafting was reasonable but not spectacular, picking up 2006 premiership players Rowan Jones and Chad Fletcher (the latter in the rookie draft) and some other useful players.

Player arrivals

National draft: David Antonowicz (Western Jets), Callum Chambers (Gippsland Power), Jaxon Crabb (Claremont), Todd Holmes (Subiaco), Rowan Jones (Claremont), Phil Read (East Fremantle), Andrew Williams (Dandenong Stingrays)

Rookie draft: Laurie Bellotti (Claremont), Conrad Chambers (East Fremantle), Chad Fletcher (Subiaco), Todd Nener (West Coast, redrafted), Trent Simpson (West Coast, redrafted), Heath Younie (Murray Bushrangers)

Player departures

Retired: David Hart, Peter Sumich

Traded: Ashley Blurton (Richmond), Craig Smoker (Melbourne), Brett Spinks (Geelong)

Delisted: Jonson Clifton, Michael Dunstan, Paul Whitelaw, Paul Blair (rookie), Todd Nener (rookie), Trent Simpson (rookie), Ryan Webb (rookie)

Exchange period

Traded	To	For	Notes
Brett Spinks	Geelong	Pick 13 (Callum Chambers)
Craig Smoker	Melbourne	Pick 34 (Andrew Williams)
Ashley Blurton	Richmond	Pick 37 (Todd Holmes)

Drafts

National draft:

12. Jaxon Crabb (Claremont)

13. Callum Chambers (Gippsland Power)

28. Rowan Jones (Claremont)

34. Andrew Williams (Dandenong Stingrays)

37. Todd Holmes (Subiaco)

44. David Antonowicz (Western Jets)

60. Phil Read (East Fremantle)

Pre-season draft:

Did not participate

Rookie draft:

11. Conrad Chambers (East Fremantle)

27. Chad Fletcher (Subiaco)

43. Laurie Bellotti (Claremont)

59. Heath Younie (Murray Bushrangers)

75. Todd Nener (West Coast, redrafted)

91. Trent Simpson (West Coast, redrafted)