West Coast Eagles Grapple with Injury Crisis Ahead of New Season
The West Coast Eagles are confronting a mounting injury crisis as the AFL season approaches, with rising star Reuben Ginbey ruled out of Saturday's scratch match against Fremantle due to foot soreness. This setback adds to a growing list of sidelined players, casting a shadow over the team's preparations for the upcoming campaign.
Key Players Sidelined as Eagles Battle Fitness Issues
Ginbey, a 21-year-old who emerged as a standout in West Coast's challenging 2025 season, will miss the clash after being elevated to the leadership group earlier this year. His absence is compounded by other significant injuries: Liam Duggan is out under concussion protocols, while Jack Graham and Tom Gross are sidelined with hamstring strains sustained in a chaotic internal practice game last week.
In further blows, Liam Baker has been managed after representing WA in AFL Origin, and recruit Brandon Starcevich is absent as he works to overcome a calf problem. However, there is a silver lining: Elliot Yeo has been named to take Ginbey's place, marking a return after a 2025 season ruined by an ankle injury.
New Recruits and Draft Picks Get Their Chance to Shine
Amid the injury woes, West Coast's top draft selections from last year—Willem Duursma (top pick), Cooper Duff-Tytler (No.4), and Josh Lindsay (No.19)—are all set to play on Saturday, offering a glimpse of the team's future talent. Additionally, several new recruits will make their debut in blue and gold, including Deven Robertson (from Brisbane), Harry Schoenberg (Adelaide), Finlay Macrae (Collingwood), and Tylar Young (Richmond), who is available after battling shoulder and shin issues over the summer.
Elijah Hewett also returns to the lineup after missing the intraclub game due to a calf complaint, providing a boost to the Eagles' midfield options.
Practice Game Details and Squad Announcement
The scratch match against Fremantle, which is closed to the general public, is scheduled to begin at 9am at Victor Kallis Oval. West Coast has announced a 30-player squad for the game, featuring a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers aiming to prove their worth in the absence of key injured stars.
This game serves as a critical opportunity for draftees and recruits to step up and showcase their abilities, as the Eagles navigate a challenging pre-season hampered by fitness concerns. The team's depth will be tested, with fans eagerly watching how the younger players perform under pressure.
