West Coast has been forced to make at least one change ahead of its round five clash with Melbourne on Sunday.

The Eagles will be without dogged defender Chantella Perera, who will miss the contest at Casey Fields due to work commitments.

Perera’s absence is a blow to the side given she has been among West Coast’s most consistent performers throughout the first half of the season.

Fortunately the Eagles have an accomplished replacement waiting in the wings, Melissa Caulfield, who has been named in the starting 16 to face the Demons.

The experienced campaigner will play her 21^st AFLW fixture – and first game for the Eagles – on Sunday after overcoming a knee injury that had her training away from the main group for most of the pre-season.

Rugby convert Mhicca Carter is also in the running to make her AFLW debut after being named on an extended bench of seven.

The former Australian Wallaroo and Rugby WA captain has made significant strides since trading in her Gilbert for a Sherrin late last year, homing her defensive skills during multiple Jan Cooper Cup fixtures.

Athletic utility Kate Orme is also in the frame to face the Demons, who are currently placed second on the Conference B ladder.

The club will name its final 21-player team at 1pm WST tomorrow.

West Coast will go toe-to-toe with Melbourne from 12.10 AWST on Sunday.

The game will be broadcast live from midday WST on Channel 7, Fox Footy and the official AFLW app.