Three exciting young prospects – including a popular debutant – and a respected key defender have been included in the West Coast Eagles team to play Essendon at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.

Draftee Harvey Johnston, whose pending debut was announced in front of all players and staff by coach Adam Simpson, will get an opportunity after twice travelling east as the emergency.

Fellow tyros Harley Reid, who was rested last week, and forward Noah Long were also included in the 23-man team with premiership full-back Tom Barrass.

Long had a hip injury last week while Barrass served a one-week suspension for a dangerous tackle in the RAC Derby.

Experienced midfielder Dom Sheed will return to the WAFL where he will build his game time after playing two matches as the substitute, while tall defender Harry Edwards makes way for the return of Barrass.

Forward Tyler Brockman will also go back to the WAFL to build confidence and game time while experienced utility player Jayden Hunt could not be considered because of injury.

Hunt has battled through a knee injury in the last couple of weeks but has made a significant contribution since joining the club as a free agent at the end of the 2022 season. The injury will bring to an end a run of 30 consecutive appearances from his round one Eagles debut last season.

The former Demon has provided run and energy since heading west, but his absence has opened the door for Johnston’s opportunity.  

Recruited from the Sandringham Dragons with selection 49 in last November’s National Draft, he has not stopped smiling since. His energy, verve and positive disposition around the club has been similar to that of the highly touted Reid.

When it was revealed this afternoon that Johnston would step into AFL battle for the first time that enthusiasm and spirit was mirrored by everyone in the room.