The West Coast Eagles have suffered a blow on the eve of  tomorrow’s clash with Sydney at GMHBA Stadium with champion wingman Andrew Gaff ruled out with a hand injury.

Gaff, one of the most consistent performers in club history, was unable to prove his fitness for the show-down which will see the two clubs compete for the HMAS II Trophy.

He ran laps at today’s captain’s run at Caulfield Grammar while the rest of his teammates in contention to play against the Swans went through a short, sharp hit-out.

First year midfielder Luke Edwards will replace Gaff and will play his fourth game of the season. 

Versatile utility player Brendon Ah Chee was taken out of today's “scrimmage” against Fremantle and comes into the 26-man squad as an emergency.

Gaff rarely misses games through injury in his outstanding 229-game career with the club.