Ruck recruit Matt Flynn is “overready” to step up to AFL after an intense training block prior to his WAFL Eagles debut last round, coach Adam Simpson says.

Flynn played almost a full game in the win over Claremont last Saturday after going down with a tendon injury at training before the season.

The former Giant has been involved in match simulation for an extended period and will lead the ruck on Saturday at Optus Stadium against St Kilda, with support from Bailey Williams.

“We held him back a little bit (for more) training as well. WAFL had a bye a few weeks ago and rather than play him 60 minutes and then 80 minutes, he almost played a full game last week, so he’s overready,” Simpson said.

“It got to the point where we’ve just got to get him in. He’ll take a bit of time to connect with the group I would’ve thought, and Bailey pushing forward.

“There’ll be a bit of change there, but we’re excited about it and looking forward to what the future looks like starting tomorrow.”

Promising tall Jack Williams is the unlucky player to miss out after an impressive run of nine games, averaging a goal a game while backing up Williams in the ruck.

“We’ve been so happy with his form. For a 20-year-old to fill the void for second ruck, it’s tough every week, and just his craft (is important),” Simpson said.

“The little things that are hard to teach we see with Jack, so I think long-term he’s going to be really good for us.”

Flynn and Bailey Wiilliams will face a pivotal battle against in-form Saints big man Rowan Marshall.

With wet weather all week and a slippery deck likely, the stoppage battle could become vital to the outcome.

“He’s in great form. He must average six or seven clearances himself,” Simpson said of Marshall.

“Big challenge for our guys. The fact we’ve got two now might give us a bit of a different look. The last time we did that was probably ’18 or ’19.

“Looking forward to seeing what it looks like.”

Veteran wingman Andrew Gaff is also back for his first game since round one, alongside Jack Petruccelle and Harry Edwards.

Gaff racked up 34 disposals in the WAFL last weekend to knock down the door with Jayden Hunt (toe) and Luke Edwards (concussion) both ruled out this week.

“Two things, he deserves it, his form has been really good, and on the weekend that extra bit of impact on a game was there for us to see with the WAFL side,” Simpson said.

“’Hunty’ has gone out with an injury is the second thing, his toe, we gave him a week off a few weeks ago and we probably should’ve given him two.”