WEST Coast has swung a late change for Friday night's clash with Richmond at Optus Stadium, with Tom Barrass withdrawn and replaced by forward-ruckman Hugh Dixon.
Barrass, who missed two games earlier this season in the AFL's health and safety protocols, was ruled out due to a hamstring injury.
Dixon had missed West Coast's round six loss to Port Adelaide with a calf issue but comes into the side to offer ruck assistance to second-gamer Luke Strnadica. Barrass' absence is slightly offset by the return of Jeremy McGovern to partner Harry Edwards as the side's key backs.
Two-time All-Australian Andrew Gaff has been named as the Eagles' medical sub on his return from three games out with an ankle injury, which coach Adam Simpson had flagged on Thursday.
West Coast's season has been ravaged by injuries and COVID omissions, but bit by bit it's getting back to full strength and the fans will be hungry for a hometown win against a Richmond side below its recent best.
Expect the Eagles to come out all guns blazing at Optus Stadium against the Tigers from 6.10pm AWST.
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Defensive general Jeremy McGovern is in and ready to shore up the back half, while former Blue Sam Petrevski-Seton returns for his fourth game in a West Coast jumper.
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Mature-age recruit Greg Clark is set to debut after an injury-marred pre-season, with the 24-year-old expected to have an immediate impact. His 26-disposal, 14-tackle and two-goal best on ground performance in Subiaco's 2021 WAFL premiership side has anticipation high for what he may do in the AFL.
However, it's not all good news for the Eagles with veteran midfielder Elliot Yeo ruled out again through concussion, while Luke Foley and Bailey Williams are also out through injury.
Co-captain Dylan Grimes returns from a hamstring problem for Richmond and triple-premiership midfielder Kane Lambert comes in for his first senior game of 2022, while Ivan Soldo will bolster the big-man stocks.
Tigers fans will be more excited though by the inclusions of Maurice Rioli and Sydney Stack, a pair whose form will be integral to the future of the club.
Veterans Trent Cotchin and Robbie Tarrant have been left in Melbourne due to the five-day turnaround, impressive youngster Thomson Dow will miss with a thigh complaint, while the trio of Jack Ross, Rhyan Mansell and Matthew Parker have all been omitted.
Star forward Tom Lynch will be keen to do well in game 200, the first 131 of them at Gold Coast.
West Coast v Richmond at Optus Stadium, 6.10pm AWST
LATE CHANGES
West Coast: Tom Barrass replaced in selected side by Hugh Dixon
Richmond: None
MEDICAL SUBS
West Coast: Andrew Gaff
Richmond: Jack Ross
