West Coast’s match committee has doubled down on changes at both ends of the ground ahead of Saturday’s critical stoush with Sydney.

The Eagles’ backline will be bolstered by the return of four-time all-Australian defender Jeremy McGovern, who has spent the past fortnight on the sidelines.

The joint-vice-captain missed the club’s round three battle with Brisbane due to suspension and was a late out ahead of last week’s clash with ladder leaders Port Adelaide due to an ankle injury.

He will be joined in the defensive arc by Jackson Nelson, who last suited up for the Eagles in round two.

McGovern takes the place of suspended backman Will Schofield, while Nelson comes into the starting 22 at the expense of Lewis Jetta, who has been omitted from the team.

Versatile forward Jake Waterman has been selected for his first outing of season 2020 after displaying strong form during the club’s recent scrimmage hitouts.

The 22-year-old, who mustered 13 AFL appearances last year, will be joined in the senior side by Oscar Allen, who has won his way back into the team after missing last weekend’s loss the Power.

Waterman has been brought in to the replace the injured Jarrod Brander (hip), while Allen takes the spot of ruckman Tom Hickey, who has been omitted from the 26-man squad.

Bailey Williams, Brayden Ainsworth, Josh Rotham and Harry Edwards have been listed as emergencies for the round five fixture.

West Coast will be laying it all on the line when take on arch rivals Sydney at Metricon Stadium.

The club is still searching for its first win since entering its Gold Coast hub and a victory over the Swans could very well ignite their season.

Western Australian fans will be able to catch all the action live on Channel 7, Fox Footy, Kayo and the official AFL app from 11.30am WST.