The next generation of Eagles will confront the challenging task of the accomplished Melbourne outfit at Optus Stadium on Sunday after the match committee today confirmed the inclusion of several youngsters.

After a number of senior players were ruled out with injury, confirmation of more youth came when the squad was broken down to the starting 18, four interchange and four emergencies.

Brady Hough, who won the emerging player award last year after a standout debut season, tough inside midfielder Jai Culley and talented midfielder Luke Edwards have been selected to play for the first time this season.

For Edwards it marks his first senior game in 12 months after suffering from osteitis pubis. He has not played since being subbed out in the round four game against Collingwood at Marvel Stadium last year.

They join two-time Club Champion Elliot Yeo, who will also play his first game of the season, while Connor West and Greg Clark, mature aged recruits from the WAFL in the last couple of years, also get their chance after strong performances in the second tier.

The club’s second selection in last year’s draft Elijah Hewett, who has played his two senior games as the substitute, has been named in the starting 22.

This week’s sub will come from the emergency list of forward Jack Petruccelle, midfielder Xavier O’Neill and defenders Josh Rotham and Luke Foley.