Pre-season rookie recruit Patrick Naish’s extraordinary run of being the only Eagle to appear in every match this campaign will continue after he was confirmed as a starter in the final 22 to face Greater Western Sydney.

Naish, who was medi-sub last round and came onto the field late to replace Liam Ryan (hamstring), was included in the 22 alongside returning stars Luke Shuey (hamstring) and Andrew Gaff (quad).

Meanwhile, important forward Jamie Cripps has made a quick recovery from an infected leg and takes the place of Samo Petrevski-Seton (Health and Safety Protocols) on a half-forward flank.

“(Gaff) had a minor quad that came and went really quickly, so that’s good for us. Jamie Cripps, his infection has cleared right up,” coach Adam Simpson said on Friday.

Emerging youngsters Zane Trew and Rhett Bazzo missed out on a debut in the starting team, but could be named for their first game as medical sub.

Trew and Bazzo are emergencies alongside promising defender Brady Hough and developing first-year tall forward Jack Williams.

The Eagles currently have 17 players on the injury list – and up-and-coming duo Oscar Allen (foot) and Luke Edwards (groin) are set to be made inactive – but hope Elliot Yeo and Dom Sheed (ankle) can return via the WAFL soon.

Veteran spearhead Josh Kennedy (knee), games record holder Shannon Hurn (calf) and Luke Foley (concussion) should also be available in coming weeks. 

“We’re trying to work our way through playing best available and also understanding some guys aren’t quite ready,” Simpson said.

“Yeo won’t play WAFL this week. He’ll travel with us, train with us and get reconnected with the boys.

“Dom will play a bit of WAFL next week. We’ve got a bye coming up. We might have several players playing through the WAFL side as well.

“That’s a challenge for us just trying to get everyone back – not just healthy - but in good AFL form, fit and available. So that’s what we’re working through the next few weeks.”