Two players traded into the West Coast Eagles during the 2020 player exchange period – Zac Langdon and Alex Witherden – have been included in the team for Sunday’s important clash with Sydney at GMHBA Stadium.

Small forward Langdon and rebounding defender Witherden are among five changes the Eagles have made in response to a 55-point loss to the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium last week.

Another of the club’s recently-acquired small forwards Jamaine Jones, in his second year at the club, also returns after being left out of the 23 for the first time this season against the Bulldogs. Premiership ruckman Nathan Vardy and young defender Luke Foley have also been elevated.

Vardy played five of the first seven games, including an important role against Fremantle when incapacitated by a foot injury. Witherden surrendered his place with a groin injury a month ago but built a compelling case for a recall with outstanding WAFL form.

Foley played well in victories against Carlton and Richmond but was squeezed out by the return of Brad Sheppard and Jeremy McGovern last week.

Making way for those players are forwards Liam Ryan (suspended), Jack Petruccelle and Jake Waterman, defender Josh Rotham, plus impressive young midfielder Luke Edwards.

Rotham, Waterman, Edwards and Petruccelle were named as emergencies and one of them will earn a reprieve as the medical substitute.

This match holds special significance as the Eagles and Sydney play for the HMAS Sydney II memorial trophy.

It recognises the 645 Australians who perished in November 1941 when HMAS Sydney II was sunk off the WA coast, north of Shark Bay, by German invader HSK Kormoran.