DELISTED West Coast veteran Sharrod Wellingham will continue his playing career with East Perth in the WAFL next season.
Wellingham, whose AFL career ended when he wasn't offered a new contract with the Eagles for 2018, has signed a two-year deal with the Royals.
The 29-year-old played a total of 171 games for West Coast and Collingwood, and was a key member of the Magpies' 2010 premiership team after being drafted by the club with pick 10 at the 2006 NAB AFL rookie draft.
The West Australian showed solid early season form in 2017, playing the first nine games of the year, but managed just four more, including the Eagles' semi-final loss to Greater Western Sydney.
East Perth football operations manager Mark Winnett told the Royals website that Wellingham's signing was a major coup for the club.
"Being able to secure a player of Sharrod’s calibre to join our list as an East Perth player is a tremendous addition to our senior playing squad," he said.
"His pace, elite foot skills and strong attack at the contest and ball will be a genuine asset to us through the midfield.
"Sharrod’s experience and on-field leadership will be invaluable for our younger players in and around the football club and we look forward to him having a strong impact on field next season and beyond."
Wellingham will begin pre-season training with the Royals next week.