Utility player Jamaine Jones has been confirmed to return to senior action when Waalitj Marawar (West Coast Eagles) plays Narrm (Melbourne) at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

Jones has not played since round three against the Western Bulldogs but has put in a strong body of work that was confirmed when the club’s match committee settled on the line-up.

The inclusion of Jones is significant as the club – and the AFL more broadly – prepares to celebrate Sir Doug Nicholls Round. It is also important because he can play at either end of the ground, as declared by coach Adam Simpson at his weekly media conference.

Jones returns alongside Jake Waterman who is in career best form and comes back into the team after passing the concussion protocols.

They come in for forward Jack Petruccelle (ankle) and Harvey Johnston (omitted).

The emergencies will be veteran wingman Andrew Gaff, hard-edged midfielder Jai Culley and key defender Harry Edwards. The WAFL Eagles have a bye so any of those three could be the emergency if required.

Barring something unforeseen, the substitute player will be one the five men named on the interchange bench – Jones, Dom Sheed, Josh Rotham, Ryan Maric or Tyrell Dewar.