Selection integrity – the ability of the match committee to make decisions based on form or structure – has been a rarity for the West Coast Eagles selection panel in recent seasons.

For the first time in the last couple of years that opportunity came with a dozen players turning out for the WAFL Eagles last weekend.

Several made a compelling case for elevation and yesterday three changes were confirmed for tomorrow’s battle with GWS at Optus Stadium.

Young ruckman Harry Barnett, widely lauded as best afield in a practice match against Perth has been selected to play his second game. Arguably it will genuinely be his debut.

In round 16 last year he made his first senior appearances against St Kilda as the substitute when availability helped him get the nod. Against the Giants he is there because he has absolutely earned it.

Ryan Maric spoke in the pre-season about feeling good after playing 10 games in the back end of last year having been secured through the mid-season draft.

He knew some of those opportunities came because of the low availability rate and was looking forward to ‘earning’ his spot.

He, too, returns to senior footy after a strong WAFL performance and replaces co-captain Oscar Allen who is out with a knee injury.

The third inclusion is Jamaine Jones, who returns to play a rebounding role in defence at the expense of Alex Witherden.

Selection integrity can work for some and not others and that has seen both Witherden and the highly decorated Andrew Gaff go back to the WAFL for a hit-out against Subiaco.

Their omissions could also be viewed as a positive; drop back a level, get hold of the footy, build some confidence and reverse the application of pressure on those in the line-up to play the Giants.