West Coast have lost patience with out-of-form first-round draftee Elijah Hewett as they prepare to welcome back key defender Harry Edwards for their clash against Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
Hewett is one of three Eagles who have been axed, with forwards Matt Owies and Harry Schoenberg also both sent back to the WAFL after only one game back in the side.
It comes as Edwards has been named at full-back for his first game since he sustained a second concussion in less than a month early in West Coast’s round two win against North Melbourne.
Edwards is one of five potential inclusions alongside 2024 first-round draftee Bo Allan, forward Jack Williams as well as midfielders Clay Hall, Harvey Johnston and Jack Hutchinson — who could all play their first games of the season.
Hewett has been dropped after struggling in his four appearances this year, averaging only 10 disposals and one clearance after returning to the team in round five loss to Geelong after injuries hindered his start to 2026.
The 21-year-old is out of contract at the end of this season and is facing a make or break year, having played a career-best 20 games last season after missing all of 2024 with a foot injury.
Owies was recalled for the loss to the previously winless Richmond on the back of five goals in the WAFL, but kicked 1.2 from 12 touches.
Schoenberg also regained his spot after missing the 101-point belting to St Kilda, but failed to fire with only 12 disposals and no tackles.
West Coast have not rested first-year ruckman Cooper Duff-Tytler despite his decreased output in recent weeks, with the teenager to partner Bailey Williams against the formidable Max Gawn and the improved Max Heath.
It also means leader Matt Flynn will remain on the outer for a fifth-consecutive game.
Defensive recruit Tylar Young has also retained his spot in the team despite The West Australian revealing he had conceded an AFL worst 24 goals from eight games this season, with calls for Rhett Bazzo to get an opportunity.
Instead, the Eagles could play forward Williams for his second game of the year after he was dropped following the loss to St Kilda when he had five touches and one behind.
Hutchinson has been among the best in the Eagles’ WAFL side for the past three games after returning from a serious ankle injury over the summer, while Hall has been impressing as a tagger in the reserves.
Allan was controversially dropped for the Tigers’ clash but could get an instant recall, while Johnston is averaging 14 disposals and a goal in his role as a wingman.
Melbourne will be forced to make at least one change with forward Brody Mihocek out with a hamstring injury.
Subiaco-product Luker Kentfield has been named in the extended squad for a potential debut alongside premiership defender Jake Bowey, Peel Thunder defender Jed Adams and Andy Moniz-Wakefield.
Melbourne v West Coast
Sunday, Marvel Stadium, 11.10am
Demons
B: D Turner J Lever B Howes
HB: C Windsor H Petty C Jiath
C: K Tholstrup T Sparrow H Sharp
HF: E Langdon M Jefferson K Pickett
F: L Pickett J van Rooyen B Fritsch
FOLL: M Gawn J Steele K Chandler
I/C: H Langford B Laurie J Bowey J Adams M Heath P Cross L Kentfield A Moniz-Wakefield
IN: J Bowey J Adams L Kentfield A Moniz-Wakefield
OUT: B Mihocek (hamstring)
Eagles
B: L Duggan H Edwards R Ginbey
HB: B Hough T Young L Baker
C: T McCarthy E Yeo R Maric
HF: M Murdock J Shanahan W Duursma
F: M Champion J Waterman C Duff-Tytler
FOLL: B Williams H Reid T Kelly
I/C: J Lindsay H Johnston B Allan T Cole C Hall J Williams H Davis J Hutchinson
IN: H Johnston B Allan C Hall J Williams J Hutchinson H Edwards
OUT: M Owies (injured), E Hewett H Schoenberg (omitted)
