Dillon O’Reilly is a promising key forward who has barracked for Fremantle his whole life, but the club his father Stephen played most of his games for will not have priority access to him.

Stephen O’Reilly played 98 matches for the Dockers between stints at Geelong and Carlton and is now on the Fremantle board.

But the star full-back fell two games short of Dillon being eligible for father-son selection for the Dockers.

“It’s somewhat disappointing, yeah, but you’ve just got to accept it and I’ve done that,” Dillon said.

“I’ve just got to pretty much move on and play my best footy and hopefully get drafted.”

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Camera Icon Dillon O’Reilly, right, flies against Vic Metro’s James Rendell in a ruck duel at Optus Stadium on June 10. Credit: Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Dillon stands at 194cm and his prolific goal kicking at colts level last year led to his East Fremantle league debut in round 22.

Now he’s a key member of the WA under-18s squad and is coming off a three-goal haul against Vic Metro in their most recent outing ahead of a clash with Vic Country at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong tomorrow.

He said he and his dad, whose football he has seen only on video, are very different players.

“I guess we actually do play different brands of footy,” said Dillon, who can also pinch-hit in the ruck.

“He was obviously a defender, not as quick as me, he reckons. I’m a forward who is more athletic, he says.

“I think I was only one or two when he was playing but I’ve watched a few of his tapes, a few things on YouTube. It’s good to watch.”

Despite his links to the Dockers, Dillon models his game on a West Coast star.

“Josh Kennedy from the Eagles,” he said.

“Just everything — his running ability, marking, goal kicking — everything about him.”

O’Reilly admitted there was plenty of pressure in a draft year but said he was enjoying the under-18s championships.

“There is pressure for everyone, I guess, because you want to play your best footy,” he said.

“It’s a good learning experience because basically you are seeing where you’re at against the best your age in Australia.

“Suma (coach Peter Sumich) basically says that if we all play our team footy, individuals will shine.

“I guess we’re trying to bring that again and hopefully get the same amount drafted or even more than last year.”

The West Australians are chasing their first win of the carnival tomorrow after an 89-point loss to South Australia and an 18-point defeat from Vic Metro in the opening rounds.

Vic Country are 0-3 after losses to the Allies, South Australia and Vic Metro. Country midfielder Sam Walsh, who is considered a contender for the No.1 pick in this year’s national draft, looms as a danger man.