Michael Barlow and Jesse Crichton, who have both moved to Western Australia to play for the Fremantle Dockers, will play for Thunder when they are not required for the Dockers.

The recruits are allocated in a reverse-draft order by the five lowest finishing teams in the WAFL competition in 2009 to help them in their endeavours to climb the premiership ladder in 2010.

Claremont, which also struggled last season will be home for fellow Fremantle Dockers Alex Silvagni and Adam McPhee.

Koby Stevens (West Coast Eagles) will go to the East Fremantle while Justin Bollenhagen (Fremantle Dockers) will go to Perth and Dylan Robertson (Fremantle) will go to East Perth.

WA Football League operations manager Clint Roberts said the allocation of these players into the local system had benefited both the WAFL clubs and these aspiring AFL players.

“The WAFL clubs provide a terrific service for these young players and play a big part in their football development,” Roberts said.

“It is a very important part of our football system that these AFL listed players play in a strong football competition where they can grow.

“It is not easy coming to a new state, training with an AFL club and playing in the WAFL competition but these players in the past have enjoyed the experience and many have been outstanding in their contribution to the WAFL competition and their adopted WAFL clubs.”