Perth teenager Stephen Coniglio will nominate for the AFL draft despite showing promise as a cricketer.

The 17-year-old, who won the Larke Medal in July for best player in the national under-18 football championships, is also a member of Western Australia's under-19 cricket squad.

Considered the best midfielder in the draft, Coniglio is expected to be taken by 2012 AFL debutants Greater Western Sydney who have the top three picks in the November draft.

"It's been difficult to make my decision as I love both sports and I have played them from a young age," the 182cm Coniglio said on Monday in statement.

"At the present time, my passion for football has outweighed my passion for cricket.

"I've thought long and hard about this decision and came to the conclusion based on what I was most passionate about.

"I am going to nominate for the National Draft and hope that an AFL club can give me the opportunity to achieve my dream.

"I'm very grateful for the opportunities I have been given in both sports."

The Swan Districts teenager's father Sandro Coniglio had said last month the midfielder may consider not entering the draft until 2012, but denied this was a move designed to avoid playing with GWS.

"It's not a stage where he's going to boycott just because of Greater Western," Coniglio Sr told News Limited newspapers.

"They've got a real good set-up, very professional. The only reason he would sit out (of the draft) would be because obviously he hasn't made his mind up and he's not sure.

"Anything I suppose is a possibility. I just haven't wanted to put any pressure on him."

AFL national talent manager Kevin Sheehan was thrilled with Coniglio's decision to pursue an AFL career.

"Stephen is a wonderfully skilled young player and an equally impressive young man," Sheehan said.

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