The West Coast Eagles are poised to make a bold selection move by potentially playing two ruckmen in their highly anticipated Gather Round clash against the Geelong Cats this Sunday at Norwood Oval. This strategic consideration comes as the team welcomes back midfielder Elijah Hewett for his first game of the season, adding depth to their lineup.
Eagles' Ruck Dilemma and Hewett's Return
In a surprising twist, West Coast has named both Matt Flynn and Bailey Williams in their 26-man squad, sparking speculation about a dual ruck approach to counter Geelong's formidable lineup. Meanwhile, Elijah Hewett, who has been sidelined since round 24 last year, will make his season debut on a half-forward flank, providing a much-needed boost to the Eagles' midfield and forward options.
Team Changes and Veteran Absences
The Eagles have also included recruit Deven Robertson, who returns after serving a one-match suspension. However, the team will be without premiership duo Elliot Yeo and Jamie Cripps. Yeo is still recovering from a groin injury sustained late last month, while Cripps, aged 33, has been rested following a goalless performance in the recent 128-point defeat to Sydney.
On the extended bench, Ryan Maric joins Bailey Williams, alongside other players such as Matt Owies, draftees Josh Lindsay and Cooper Duff-Tytler, and Tom McCarthy, Malakai Champion, and Hamish Davis.
Geelong's Adjustments and Key Inclusions
Geelong has made its own adjustments, resting veteran Mark Blicavs as he nears his 300th game for the Cats. In his absence, the team has named four potential inclusions: former Hawthorn midfielder James Worpel, along with Mitch Knevitt, Jake Kolodjashnij, and Mark O'Connor, aiming to strengthen their squad for the contest.
Match Details and Lineups
The match is scheduled for Sunday at Norwood Oval, starting at 10:30 AM. Below are the team lineups for both sides:
- Geelong Cats: B: S De Koning, J Henry, C O'Sullivan; HB: L Humphries, T Stewart, O Mullin; C: J Bowes, B Smith, O Dempsey; HF: S Mannagh, S Neale, B Close; F: J Martin, J Cameron, O Henry; FOLL: M Edwards, T Atkins, M Holmes; I/C: Z Guthrie, J Kolodjashnij, M O'Connor, T Bruhn, G Miers, O Wiltshire, J Worpel, M Knevitt; IN: J Kolodjashnij, M O'Connor, J Worpel, M Knevitt; OUT: M Blicavs (managed).
- West Coast Eagles: B: L Duggan, T Young, R Ginbey; HB: B Hough, S Brock, L Baker; C: W Duursma, J Graham, B Allan; HF: T Kelly, A Reid, E Hewett; F: H Schoenberg, J Waterman, J Shanahan; FOLL: M Flynn, H Reid, D Robertson; I/C: J Lindsay, M Owies, T McCarthy, C Duff-Tytler, R Maric, B Williams, M Champion, H Davis; IN: E Hewett, B Williams, D Robertson, R Maric; OUT: J Cripps (managed).
This Gather Round fixture promises to be a thrilling encounter as both teams navigate key player changes and tactical decisions in the early stages of the AFL season.
