High end West Coast Eagles talent will filter back into the senior team for the blockbuster clash with Richmond at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

Vice-captain Josh Kennedy, who will lead the team in the continued absence of Luke Shuey, rebounding half-back Liam Duggan and versatile big man Oscar Allen have all been confirmed as starters for this searching challenge against the competition benchmark.

While that talented trio was named in the starting 18, the influx of senior players could extend further when the club refines its team on Friday afternoon.

As it stands, wingman Jarrod Brander and ruckman-forward Nathan Vardy have been named on an extended interchange of eight players, which will be divided into four who will play and four who will be emergencies.

From the four emergencies will come the medical substitute.  Jamaine Jones, who filled that role against Carlton last week, is among the list hoping to make the cut – along with debutant Luke Edwards, forwards Jake Waterman and Zac Langdon, midfielder Xavier O’Neill and defender Luke Foley.

In line with the AFL’s concussion protocols, all-Australian defender Brad Sheppard could not be considered and developing ruckman-forward Bailey Williams was ruled out with a hamstring strain.

Richmond played in the highly successful Dreamtime in Perth game against Essendon last Saturday night and will return to the west having spent the week preparing in Sydney.