West Coast Eagles Omit Premiership Forward Jamie Cripps for St Kilda Match
West Coast Eagles coach Andrew McQualter has made a bold selection move, dropping premiership forward Jamie Cripps for the upcoming AFL clash against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Sunday. This decision marks another strong statement from McQualter at the selection table, as the Eagles aim to rebound from a recent loss.
Changes and Challenges for the Eagles
The Eagles are forced to make at least two changes to their lineup, with Cripps joining fellow forward Archer Reid, who is sidelined with a knee injury, as confirmed outs. Cripps, who celebrated his 34th birthday on Thursday, struggled in the previous match against Fremantle, failing to score a goal from nine touches. He had also missed the Gather Round loss to Geelong due to being managed.
Having signed a one-year deal last year, Cripps has faced consistency issues this season. He kicked three goals in the round two win against North Melbourne but has only managed four goals overall, averaging 10 disposals and fewer than two tackles per game. Last season, Cripps led the Eagles' goalkicking with 24 majors in 21 games, outperforming now St Kilda forward Liam Ryan, who scored 22 goals.
Potential Inclusions and Team Adjustments
West Coast is considering strategic adjustments, including potentially playing two ruckmen. Matt Flynn, a playing group leader, is among five potential inclusions after an impressive performance in the WAFL. Flynn responded to his axing following a triple-figure defeat to Sydney with 51 hit-outs, nine clearances, 24 disposals, and a goal, making a strong case to partner Bailey Williams against St Kilda's duo Tom De Koning and Rowan Marshall.
Other potential changes include forward Jack Williams, who is in contention for his first AFL appearance of the year after kicking six goals in three games. Veteran defender Tom Cole, half-back Ryan Maric, and speedy forward Malakai Champion have also been named on an extended bench, adding depth and options for the Eagles.
St Kilda's Selection Moves
On the opposing side, St Kilda have dropped West Australian-product Hugh Boxshall, who collected 12 touches in their one-point defeat to Adelaide last weekend. Exciting defender Alix Tauru is one of four potential inclusions, alongside fellow backmen Dougal Howard, Liam O'Connell, and Angus Hastie, as the Saints look to strengthen their defense.
Match Details and Lineups
The match between St Kilda and West Coast is scheduled for Sunday at Marvel Stadium, starting at 11.10am. The lineups are as follows:
- St Kilda: B: J Silvagni, C Wilkie, L Stocker; HB: J Carroll, B Hill, N Wanganeen-Milera; C: M Windhager, M Hall, H Garcia; HF: M Wood, L Ryan, M Owens; F: J Higgins, C Sharman, R Marshall; FOLL: T De Koning, S Flanders, J Sinclair; I/C: H Clark, D Butler, D Howard, D Wilson, A Hastie, M Phillipou, A Tauru, L O'Connell; IN: D Howard, A Hastie, A Tauru, L O'Connell; OUT: H Boxshall (omitted).
- West Coast Eagles: B: L Duggan, R Ginbey, B Hough; HB: T McCarthy, T Young, J Linsday; C: W Duursma, E Yeo, B Allan; HF: E Hewett, J Shanahan, L Baker; F: M Champion, J Waterman, M Murdock; FOLL: B Williams, H Reid, T Kelly; I/C: C Duff-Tytler, R Maric, M Flynn, T Cole, J Williams, H Davis, S Brock, J Williams; IN: M Champion, R Maric, M Flynn, T Cole, J Williams; OUT: J Cripps (omitted), A Reid (knee).
This selection shake-up highlights the competitive nature of the AFL as both teams adjust their strategies ahead of the crucial Sunday clash.
