West Coast gained’t rely solely on status after they choose their workforce for the spherical one conflict with North Melbourne on March 18.
Eagles coach Adam Simpson has flagged kind might be rewarded.
“It’s whoever deserves it,” Simpson mentioned.
“A few years ago we played three or four debutants in round one (Jake Waterman, Liam Ryan and Daniel Venables in round one 2018) … things can turn pretty quickly when you get that young talent through, but we won’t rush it,” Simpson mentioned.
“But if their form is good enough we will play them.”
First-round draftees Reuben Ginbey, choose 9 within the 2022 nationwide draft, Elijah Hewett (14), pre-season standout Noah Long (58), and Jayden Hunt, who the Eagles secured from Melbourne as an unrestricted free agent, will all be significantly thought of to tackle the Roos.
Campbell Chesser, a first-round draft choose from 2021 who missed final yr by harm, is predicted to push into the AFL facet later within the season, however will get an early likelihood to impress with extra minutes in Friday’s intra-club recreation.
Liam Duggan and Shannon Hurn, who had restricted minutes in final week’s intra-club, can even play no less than a half on Friday.
Simpson mentioned everybody on the record would “get a look” in a six-quarter match simulation towards Port Adelaide the next week, adopted by a hit-out towards the Crows.
“We’ll do the same against Adelaide,” he mentioned.
“Then we have a week off, then it’s round one. We have to take a deep breath, everyone. It is not grand final week this week.”
Hewett has been trialling as a ahead and pinch hitting on ball, and Ginbey on ball and at half again, whereas Long has impressed at half-forward.
“That suits him at the moment with his young body and young tank,” Simpson mentioned of Hewett, whereas including Ginbey and Long could be allowed to develop in “positions they played in junior football”.
“That is where we will start them and see where they develop,” he mentioned.
There might be a logjam jostling for spots within the defensive half, with captain Luke Shuey anticipating to spend extra time there and Tom Cole returning after a 12-month absence.
“I haven’t had that problem for three years with availability. That is the best problem to have. I will look forward to that in a couple of weeks when we get to that decision-making process,” Simpson mentioned.
Jamaine Jones has been utilized in defence, however with Junior Rioli crossing to Port Adelaide and Jack Petrucelle’s pre-season compromised by an ankle harm, he is perhaps shifted ahead.
“Losing Junior has probably pushed him back in our forward line,” Simpson mentioned.
“Although when we do match sim and put him back he looks pretty good across the half-back line. So once again we will cross that bridge when we get to it.
“Having more flexibility in our side, you have probably seen that happening already, compared to traditionally what we look like where guys don’t really move from their roles.
“I feel like we have seven or eight players who can play in different roles and that will be part of what we do moving forward and that is where the game is.”
Simpson mentioned it was essentially the most “anxious” time of the yr for AFL coaches and was relieved key ahead Jack Darling prevented a critical ankle harm.
“We are pretty healthy at the moment. We are on our way, definitely ahead of last year at this time with what we went through, but it is an anxious time,” he mentioned.
“Our S and C (strength and conditioning) guys have done a power of work to prepare the boys as best we can.
“We are looking to have pretty good numbers, not far off our full list, by round one.”
The Eagles have a fan day on Saturday from 9am at Mineral Resources Park. Entry is free.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
