WEST Coast could unleash a mosquito fleet of five speedy small forwards for the first time against Adelaide, with Jamie Cripps set to return in the finals-shaping clash at Optus Stadium.
Cripps has been cleared for a full game after an adductor issue and the highly rated 158-gamer will step straight back into the seniors.
It leaves the Eagles pondering who will make way, with one of Jake Waterman, Jarrod Cameron and Jack Petruccelle likely to be the unlucky candidate.
Could Waterman be omitted? Picture: AFL Photos
If mobile tall Waterman (nine goals) misses out, coach Adam Simpson could attempt to terrorise the Crows with pace and pressure through Liam Ryan (22), Willie Rioli (11), Cameron (11), Cripps (23) and Petruccelle (19), the quickest of them all.
"It would be great to keep all of them in, but I don't know if that's possible," Simpson said. "We're looking at avenues.
"We think it's part of our strength of our side, our half-forwards and what we've developed the last 18 months.
"(Waterman) is a bit different, but his workrate is really extremely high as well.
"Obviously our talls complement each other, but we've probably developed a system where we've played more forwards than we have ever before.
"I don't think we can play nine, though (including Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling and Oscar Allen).
"That's starting to push the friendship, but the fact is they're playing a really good role, they're quick, they finish off their work and they bring others into the game."
Cameron has grabbed his chance with both hands since making his debut in round 14 against Essendon when Rioli was suspended.
The 19-year-old has booted 11 goals in seven games – including eight from eight kicks against Fremantle and Collingwood – and averaged four tackles, adding to the selection squeeze.
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"When we look at it, it's not just the scoreboard presence, which is important, don't get me wrong, but what he does off the ball for a first-year is really exciting for longer-term," Simpson said.
"He's way more advanced than we thought.
"His workrate, his way he defends, all that stuff is impressive, it's natural, it's instinctive." - Adam Simpson
The Eagles are unlikely to make many changes after six wins from seven starts, but will weigh up recalling tagger Mark Hutchings following 21 touches and a goal in his WAFL comeback from a hamstring strain.
Young backman Liam Duggan will sit out this Saturday against Perth before relaunching after a knock to his troublesome ankle.
Star ruckman Nic Naitanui is still eyeing a possible return in week one of finals after steady progress from his own syndesmosis setback.
"He was out there today running around. If he plays footy, it won't be during the home and away season," Simpson said.
"There's still a long way to go. We're not hanging on every session. At this stage, we're still hopeful."
With Brisbane eyeing a valuable percentage boost against battling Gold Coast, the Eagles might fall out of second spot even with victory over Adelaide.
But Simpson isn't worrying about winning margins, only winning, with three rounds left.
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"What's at stake this time of year, it's pretty high," Simpson said.
"Another team (Adelaide) fighting for a spot in the eight, we're fighting for a different spot in the eight, albeit with the same tenacity, I suppose.
"It's going to be game on."
