Coming back from a 13-day break – after two matches were postponed due to the AFL’s Health and Safety Protocols – the West Coast Eagles have made four changes ahead of Friday’s clash with Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.
Skipper Emma Swanson returns to the Eagles’ engine room after a one-week suspension, while versatile wing Niamh Kelly will come back into the side after general soreness sidelined her for the clash against Adelaide a fortnight ago.
Forward Ashlee Atkins has also been cleared to play after entering the AFL’s Health & Safety Protocols against the Crows, and has been named in the starting line-up for Friday’s match.
Key defender Tayla Bresland will also play across half-back after being omitted from the match against Adelaide.
Meanwhile, youngster Sarah Lakay has retained her position after debuting against the Crows and will start in the forward line this Friday alongside Atkins, with senior leader Parris Laurie named in the ruck.
Deep defender Sophie McDonald has also been named in West Coast’s final 21 after an impressive performance in her first match of the season against the Crows.
McDonald was tasked with playing on Adelaide’s Erin Phillips and earned best Eagle afield for the day with seven intercepts and three tackles.
The rest of West Coast’s line-up is a mix of senior players – including Dana Hooker, Aisling McCarthy and Maddy Collier - alongside a younger contingent such as Charlie Thomas, Mikayla Bowen and Bella Lewis, as the Eagles look to create the right mix and notch their first win of the season.
Kellie Gibson, Courtney Rowley and Amber Ward have entered the AFL’s Health & Safety Protocols and will not be available for selection, while defender Evie Gooch is serving a one-week suspension for striking.