A blockbuster the magnitude of the West Coast Eagles’ clash with the Western Bulldogs commanded the return of some star power. It has come.

West Coast Eagles captain Luke Shuey, vice-captain Jeremy McGovern, stoppage gun Tim Kelly and All-Australian half-back Brad Sheppard have all been named in the starting line-up for Sunday’s clash with one of the form teams of the competition.

The Bulldogs sit in second position on the AFL ladder, two games and a whopping 37 percent ahead of the Eagles, in what is a vital game for both clubs.

While some big names return, a couple of them will likely take a little time to swing back into the tempo of big time football.

Shuey has played just one game in three months, a solid hit-out for the WAFL Eagles against Subiaco at Leederville Oval last Saturday, while McGovern has not played for five weeks and Kelly has missed three, both of whom have recovered from knee injuries.

Sheppard did not play in the thriller against Richmond a fortnight ago after a concussion against Carlton at the SCG, so he should be refreshed.

The return of those luminaries means that young defenders Harry Edwards and Luke Foley, so impressive in covering for their experienced teammates, as well as Xavier O’Neill, who was the unutilised medical sub against the Tigers, make way.

Having those accomplished stars return to action does not guarantee success, as all except Shuey played against the Bulldogs in a round two seven-point loss to the Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.

The club will tomorrow prune an extended interchange bench consisting of eight players back to four and four emergencies – with lively forward Jack Petruccelle and ruckman Nathan Vardy among them and looking for an opportunity.

Also named on the bench are Jake Waterman, Zac Langdon, Luke Edwards, Jackson Nelson, Jamaine Jones and Josh Rotham – all of whom played against the Tigers.