Rhett Bazzo's call up for his first AFL game this season is a reward for the developing key defender’s form at WAFL level, Waalitj Marawar coach Andrew McQualter says.
Bazzo is a confirmed starter for Sunday’s Sir Doug Nicholls Round clash against Greater Westen Sydney following Harry Edwards’ third concussion for the year.
The 22-year-old has averaged 19.5 disposals and nine marks in six state league appearances this year, repeatedly knocking on the selection door.
“It’s great. We’ve been trying to stay really consistent with rewarding form at WAFL level and Rhett’s probably in as good form as he has been in since he’s been at our footy club,” McQualter said.
“He’s been able to defend well but also get involved with the offence as well, which is important.
“Rhett is a smart player and understands the defensive system we’re implementing, and he’ll complement the other guys down there.
“(Harry) is good. He’s in really good spirits. He’s been in the club this week. We understand there’s some hurdles ahead for Harry – we don’t know exactly what that looks like yet.
“We’ll keep supporting him and hopefully he can be back playing footy for us soon.”
McQualter confirmed key forward Jack Williams would also return and support Bailey Williams in the ruck, with young gun Cooper Duff-Tytler rested after nine-straight games since his debut in round one.
“I have told Cooper for a little bit we are going to look after him,” McQualter said.
“We’ve got really long-term plans with ‘Coop’ and he’s carried an enormous load for us so far.
“It’s hard when he probably played his best game for us last week to pull the trigger on it but we just have to be really smart with the way we manage him.”
McQualter resisted the temptation to recall Elijah Hewett after an excellent midfield performance in the WAFL in his first game back at the level to rebuild his form and fitness.
“Elijah played well, it was a step in the right direction for sure so we’re pleased with that,” McQualter said.
“Our midfield has been pretty consistent the last few weeks so we’ve got a good mix in there at the moment, so it was just hard to change that. Weekend off for the WAFL (due to the State game) so it provides a little training block for him which is important.”
The Eagles (2-7) are aiming to break a six-game losing run against the Giants (4-5), who will be without spearhead Jesse Hogan due to a hip concern.
However, Adam Kingsley’s team still possess a potent attack led by Toby Greene, Jake Stringer and Aaron Cadman, and are one of the more damaging running teams in the competition, particularly from half-back.
“(Lachie) Whitfield, (Lachie) Ash, (Finn) Callaghan, they’re the real prime movers out of the back half,” McQualter said.
“They’re an electric team, they work so hard, they run hard. They’ve got a really clear system.
“There’s certainly some threats in their back half which if we don’t defend the ground the right way we’re going to have trouble defending them.”
