WEST Coast and Essendon have confirmed unchanged final teams for Thursday night's clash, with Eagles ruckman Scott Lycett appearing likely to start at full-forward in spearhead Josh Kennedy's absence.
Journeyman tall Fraser McInnes, called in for Kennedy (knee), will start on the bench, alongside livewire forward Liam Ryan.
West Coast coach Adam Simpson needs to get creative covering for Kennedy and sidekick Jack Darling, who are both missing from the forward line for the first time since Darling made his debut way back in round one, 2011.
The Eagles (10-2) can reclaim top spot with victory over the Bombers, who have lost their past seven in Perth.
However, John Worsfold's side (5-7) has found some interstate form in recent weeks, defeating the Lions and Giants to breathe some life into their fading finals hopes.
Essendon heads into the Optus Stadium clash unchanged for the first time since losing at Perth's new football venue against Fremantle in round two.
FOLLOW IT LIVE Eagles v Bombers
West Coast v Essendon at Optus Stadium, 6.10pm AEST
NO LATE CHANGES
FINAL INTERCHANGES
West Coast: Liam Ryan, Tom Cole, Mark Hutchings, Fraser McInnes
Essendon: Josh Green, David Myers, Mason Redman, Matt Guelfi
