Collingwood AFL premiership midfielder Sharrod Wellingham has been granted his wish to join West Coast after the Eagles gave up their top pick in November’s national draft.

The 24-year-old Western Australian played 92 games for Collingwood, including their 2010 flag, but wanted to return to his home state to play regularly in front of his family.

The Magpies allowed that to happen in return for the Eagles giving them draft pick No.17, providing Collingwood with another first-round pick to go with their own No.18.

Eagles list manager Craig Vozzo said West Coast expected Wellingham to give an instant boost to a club that was knocked out by the Magpies in a semi-final this year.

“He has averaged over 20 games for the past three years and he’s a premiership player,” Vozzo said.

“We expect he’ll have an immediate impact in our midfield.”

Magpies recruiting manager Derek Hine was delighted to have two top-20 picks for the first time since 2006 and said Wellingham left with their good wishes.

“He played some good football for the club and shared in a premiership, which is a fine achievement,” Hine said.

“Equally, were very pleased to have a stronger presence in the national draft. It’s been some time since we’ve had this sort of hand to work with.”

The move dashes Melbourne’s hopes of securing Wellingham, with the Demons having hoped to snare him in a combination deal with Collingwood key forward Chris Dawes, but they are now expected to concentrate on Dawes.