High-flying forward Liam Ryan will return for the West Coast Eagles’ clash with reigning premier Brisbane at the Gabba on Sunday.

Ryan is back after proving his fitness at training on Thursday, following hamstring awareness stemming from the pre-season clash against North Melbourne.

The All-Australian goalkicker is a welcome addition to the line-up which has lost spearhead Jake Waterman (back/calf) and midfielder Jack Hutchinson (hamstring) from the opening loss to Gold Coast.    

“(Ryan) was really close last week to playing. We made a decision, with a little bit of Liam’s history in mind, to not play him,” coach Andrew McQualter said on Thursday.

“He’s in a good spot and can’t wait to have him out there.”

Ryan is the only confirmed inclusion at this stage, with top draftee Bo Allan in the mix to debut after being named on the extended bench.

Forward-ruck Bailey Williams is a chance to play after being an emergency for round one, with speedster Jack Petruccelle and emerging wingman Harvey Johnston also included on the eight-man interchange.

The bench will be reduced to five players – one of whom will be the sub - at 2pm WST on Friday.