West Coast big man Bailey Williams is set to return to lead ruck duties against Melbourne star Max Gawn after Matt Flynn was ruled out of Sunday’s clash at the MCG.
At this stage, Flynn is the only confirmed omission from the Eagles team which suffered a disappointing 61-point loss to Hawthorn last round, having failed to overcome an ankle injury.
The 26-year-old finished the match on crutches and was listed as a test for the Demons clash, alongside star duo Jeremy McGovern (thumb) and Jake Waterman (leg), who have both been named.
West Coast’s match committee has added four emerging players to the extended eight-man interchange bench, which will be trimmed to five players at 3pm WST on Friday.
A pair of Jacks – Williams and Hutchinson – are in the mix, with Harvey Johnston and Harry Edwards also coming into the 26-man squad.
Sunday’s clash is West Coast’s only match at the MCG this year and the Eagles will be aiming to upset the Demons for the second time in 2024 following a 35-point triumph in round 11.
Victorian fans can watch the team train at football’s mecca from 11.30am local time on Saturday, with entry via gate one.
