The West Coast Eagles will draw on the energy and spirit of youth as they attempt to keep their finals ambitions alive against Brisbane in the Lions’ den at the Gabba on Saturday.
Coming off a physical RAC Derby, the Eagles have lost several established stars to injury, but the silver lining is the opportunity presented to emerging talent in a must-win game against a top-four hopeful.
Down back, West Coast will take one of its youngest groups in recent times into the contest, with All Australian defensive pair Jeremy McGovern (hip) and Brad Sheppard (concussion) joining Shannon Hurn (hamstring) and Liam Duggan (knee) on the sidelines.
Harry Edwards (20-year-old) and Josh Rotham (23) return and will line-up in a starting backline alongside 21-year-old Luke Foley, skilled ball user Alex Witherden (22) - who is facing his former side for the first time - plus premiership duo Tom Barrass (25) and Tom Cole (24).
Versatile tall Jake Waterman (23) also slots back in after champion spearhead Josh Kennedy failed to get up due to a compound fracture of his little finger.
Meanwhile, small forward Jamaine Jones (22) will play senior football for the first time since round 16 following a nasty ankle injury, coming into the side to replace omitted speedster Jack Petruccelle.
Having lost his spot to returning captain Luke Shuey last round, mid-season rookie pick Connor West is also back and rested after sitting out of the WAFL to manage a groin issue.
The West Perth product replaces Tim Kelly, who was subbed out after spraining his medial ligament when Shuey fell across his leg just before half-time in the derby.
Last week’s medi-sub Zac Langdon remains a chance to take that role again after being named as an emergency alongside Jarrod Brander, Bailey Williams and Petruccelle.
Earlier on Thursday, coach Adam Simpson confirmed dynamic small Willie Rioli would not return from his two-year suspension against the Lions after pulling up with a tight hamstring this week.
Heading into the final round of the home and away season, the Eagles must defeat the Lions in their 4.35pm (AEST) clash and hope Greater Western Sydney loses to Carlton on Saturday evening, or that Collingwood can upset Essendon on Sunday, in order to qualify for finals.
