West Coast Eagles' Young Duo Absent for Final Pre-Season Hit-Out
In a significant development for the West Coast Eagles, key young players Bo Allan and Elijah Hewett have been omitted from the team's final pre-season clash against Port Adelaide at Mineral Resources Park on Sunday. This decision comes as co-captain Liam Baker makes his return to the lineup after being rested following his participation in AFL Origin on February 14.
Injury Management and Team Adjustments
Elijah Hewett, who is recovering from a calf injury, featured in a WAFL practice match on Saturday, while Bo Allan has been named as an emergency for the upcoming game. The Eagles are implementing careful injury management strategies, with Hewett's absence allowing him to build fitness gradually. Meanwhile, the team welcomes back four additions: Liam Baker, Lucca Grego, Harry Barnett, and Tylah Williams, who will join the side that faced Fremantle in last weekend's match simulation.
Notably, four of the five players selected by West Coast in the national draft—Willem Duursma (pick No. 1), Cooper Duff-Tytler (pick No. 4), Josh Lindsay (pick No. 19), and Tylah Williams (pick No. 39)—will have an opportunity to showcase their skills and push for selection in round one. This highlights the club's focus on integrating new talent into the senior squad.
Injury Concerns and Ruck Depth
West Coast is grappling with several injury issues ahead of their round one encounter against Gold Coast on March 15. Key players such as co-captain Liam Duggan (concussion), Reuben Ginbey (toe), Jack Graham (hamstring), and star defender Brandon Starcevich (calf) are all unavailable, adding pressure to the team's depth. Additionally, Tim Kelly (hamstring) and Noah Long (knee) have been withdrawn from the side that played Fremantle, while other omissions include Clay Hall, Rhett Bazzo, Jack Williams, and Tyrell Dewar.
In the ruck department, Harry Barnett has been named on the bench, marking his first appearance for the AFL side since round two of the 2024 season. He joins a group of four ruckmen in the lineup, including Cooper Duff-Tytler, primary bigman Matt Flynn, and forward-ruck Archer Reid, providing the Eagles with versatile options in this critical position.
Port Adelaide's Strengthened Squad
On the opposing side, Port Adelaide has bolstered its team with the return of star midfielder Zak Butters and forward Mitch Georgiades, both of whom participated in AFL Origin. Furthermore, East Fremantle's Mitch Zadow has been included in the Power's lineup after being acquired through the pre-season supplemental selection period, adding depth to their roster.
The match is scheduled for Sunday at Mineral Resources Park, kicking off at 3.10pm. West Coast will aim to fine-tune their strategies and assess player performances in this final pre-season outing, despite the absence of promising young talents like Allan and Hewett.
