The West Coast Eagles have injected a healthy dose of speed and experience as they prepare to confront one of the early premiership favourites – Port Adelaide – at Optus Stadium tomorrow night.

Not only has the match committee rubber-stamped the return of skipper Luke Shuey, but they have also included utility player Brendon Ah Chee and pacy half-forward Jack Petruccelle.

In doing so, they have left out half-forward Zac Langdon, developing midfielder Xavier O’Neill and forward-ruckman Nathan Vardy – meaning the Eagles will go smaller against the Power who sometimes play at break-neck speed.

The omission of Vardy means that Oscar Allen will return to the role he played for much of last year as the support ruckman to Club Champion Nic Naitanui, as well as swinging forward when the opportunity presents.

With Naitanui playing more game time this season, Vardy has had limited minutes, but has played his role. His absence means Naitanui and Allen will work in tandem against former teammate Scott Lycett and Peter Ladhams.

The return of Shuey, who could not be considered for the opening two rounds after suffering a hamstring strain in match simulation in the week off between the pre-season series and the official start to the 2021 campaign, adds both class and experience.

He has forced O’Neill out of the team, despite the youngster’s encouraging start to the season.

Ah Chee was the medical substitute last week and follows the same path as Jamaine Jones, who occupied that seat against Gold Coast, but was in the starting line-up against the Bulldogs last week, kicking three goals.

The Eagles will be hoping for a similar impact from Ah Chee who two weeks ago was outstanding in a hit-out with the WAFL Eagles.