VETERAN recruits Sam Mitchell and Drew Petrie won't be held back on limited game time in their West Coast debuts, despite the sweltering heat forecast in Geraldton for Saturday's pre-season Western Derby, according to Eagles coach Adam Simpson. 

The Eagles have named their strongest available squad for the JLT Community Series clash with arch rivals Fremantle at Wonthella Oval, which will be played in temperatures in the mid-to-high 30s.

Simpson expected the AFL's heat policy to be applied and, after resting West Coast's biggest stars for last weekend's trip to regional NSW, the coach is keen for his recruits to start building chemistry with their new teammates.

"They'll play a fair bit, along with (Nathan) Vardy as well, we need to get the chemistry going as quick as we can," Simpson said.

"We did contemplate playing them last week but being in their mid-30s for a couple of those blokes, we looked after them with their travel.

"We need to get full games into all of those guys. 

"I think the heat policy will come into play which will mean 22 minutes flat with eight-minute (breaks between) quarters. 

"It probably means we need to play less players because we won't get the minutes in (to our best players before round one)." 

After carrying the ruck against Greater Western Sydney last weekend, former Cats big man Vardy will have ex-North Melbourne champion Petrie for support against the Dockers.

Heading towards round one, the Eagles' once dire ruck stocks are now looking healthier.

Scott Lycett (knee) and Jonathan Giles (thumb) were put through some tough running drills away from the main group at Wonthella Oval on Friday, and could be back in action in the Eagles' final pre-season clash against Melbourne on March 9.

"Whether (Lycett) plays senior level (against the Demons) or not, that's to be decided, but he's training fully and now it's about getting some games under his belt," Simpson said.

"He'll be pretty close to playing round one or two."

With as many as eight round one spots at West Coast undecided, Simpson welcomed a clash against a strong Dockers outfit, which will be led by new skipper Nat Fyfe in his long-awaited return from a broken leg.

Freo has also picked mature-age recruits Bradley Hill, Cam McCarthy, Shane Kersten and Joel Hamling in a 29-man squad.

"Traditionally they're pretty competitive games (against Fremantle)," Simpson said.

"We're on different programs and it's their first game … it's good to see there's two teams playing close to their best sides."