West Coast Eagles captain Luke Shuey is a certain starter for Sunday’s blockbuster clash with Collingwood at Optus Stadium.
The two-time John Worsfold medallist was initially named to square off against Fremantle last weekend, but the club elected to err on the side of caution and withdrew him from the contest 90 minutes before the first bounce.
While there was some umming and ahhing about playing the hamstrung midfielder last week, senior coach Adam Simpson today confirmed that Shuey would line up against the Magpies in the club’s first official hitout in front of its loyal blue and gold army for 2020.
He also revealed that dynamic forward Brendon Ah Chee would miss the contest after suffering a back injury during RAC Derby 51.
Ah Chee incurred the injury while launching for a spectacular hanger during the second term.
He managed to get sky high, but unfortunately the electrifying 26-year-old missed the ball and hit the deck hard, jarring his back in the process.
Although he confirmed one change, Simpson said there was scope for more switches to be made ahead of the final team announcement at 3pm WST tomorrow.
Three young Eagles – Bailey Williams, Harry Edwards and Nic Reid – are in the mix to make their AFL debuts after being named in the extended 26-man squad.
The other addition to the team that secured the club’s record tenth-consecutive RAC Derby win over Fremantle is Josh Rotham, who is vying to make his second appearance for season 2020 after he slotted into the backline for the club’s round three clash with Brisbane.
