The stilted momentum of the West Coast Eagles’ 2022 campaign continued at selection for the Friday night HMAS Sydney II Tribute Game against the Sydney Swans at Optus Stadium.
A cluster of bonafide stars will make their return against the Swans, but two all-Australians will be absent after key defender Jeremy McGovern was ruled out under AFL health and safety protocols. He joins fellow vice-captain Nic Naitanui on the list of players unavailable.
So it remains a season of three steps forward and two steps back as we enter a round five encounter that commemorates HMAS Sydney II and the 645 sailors who perished in November 1941 off the WA coast near Shark Bay.
While McGovern and Naitanui (knee) sit this one out there is a significant boost through the midfield with the return of skipper Luke Shuey, the combative Elliot Yeo and smooth-moving Tim Kelly.
Additionally hard-running forward Jamie Cripps, key defender Harry Edwards and ruckman-forward Bailey Williams have been included.
Cripps will play his 200th AFL match when his 184th game for the Eagles is added with the 16 he played at St Kilda.
After damaging a pectoral muscle in the first intra-club hit-out two months ago, Cripps resumes to make a much-awaited return to action. He has been an outstanding contributor since arriving from the Saints through the 2012 trade period.
Shuey, who has played just one game this season, also returns after missing the past two matches through AFL health and safety protocols with Kelly taking his place having recovered from a hamstring strain.
Williams returns to replace Naitanui and will share the ruck responsibilities with Hugh Dixon while Harry Edwards has been named as the replacement in the defensive structure for McGovern.
Others who could not be considered are young midfielder Luke Edwards who was subbed out at three-quarter time against Collingwood and energetic midfielder Connor West, who was a strong contributor against the Pies.
Unlucky to lose their place are midfielder Xavier O’Neill, first year defender Brady Hough and forward Jake Waterman.
