West Coast will take a settled line-up into Sunday’s ‘away’ game against North Melbourne with just one change for the Hands Oval clash.
The Eagles have regained evergreen forward Jamie Cripps for his 246th match in blue and gold, confirming a quick comeback from recent minor knee surgery.
Emerging small forward Noah Long has been omitted for Cripps, with coach Andrew McQualter largely sticking by the team that took it up to Geelong on WA Day eve.
Long is among three emergencies for Sunday’s match in Bunbury, alongside Binningup local Clay Hall and forward-ruck Bailey Williams.
McQualter was impressed by Archer Reid’s pinch-hitting efforts in the ruck against the Cats, and has backed the young gun and Matt Flynn to battle All-Australian contender Tristan Xerri.
Hall hasn’t played at senior level since Gather Round but continues to knock on the door with an extended run of excellent WAFL Eagles form.
The Eagles will hold open training at Hands Oval at 1.30pm on Saturday ahead of bouncedown at 1.20pm on Sunday.
The match will be broadcast live nationally on the Seven Network, 7-plus, Fox Footy and Kayo.
