The Kangaroos had a full list, but Ayden Kennedy's long-term knee injury has opened the door for a fresh face to make a debut in Perth against the Eagles.
“With Ayden Kennedy out for the entire season and a couple of other guys suffering injuries it has opened up a spot and given us the opportunity to upgrade a player if we choose to,” List & Strategy Manager Cameron Joyce told kangaroos.com.au.
The dilemma for the match committee will be who to choose?
Majak Daw, Luke Delaney, Aaron Mullett, Cameron Pedersen and Matthew Scott have all been given chances to impress over the pre-season while Marcus White is out of the running due to a serious shoulder injury.
“There are several things to consider when looking at promoting a rookie player. Most importantly we’ll look for the player who is in the best form and the most physically ready to fill the gap,” Joyce explained.
With the AFL's controversial new sub-rule in play, Joyce says fitness will be a major factor in the club's choice due to the reduced amount of rotations available on the bench.
But there are plenty of other things to consider;
Daw and Pedersen's stocks have risen dramatically with their ability to help Todd Goldstein in the ruck while Delaney's efforts on Barry Hall in the club's final hit-out didn't go unnoticed. Scott provides another tough inside midfield option while Mullett's speed and skills would be a welcome addition on the vast Patersons Stadium surface.
But perhaps someone of Pedersen's experience and versatility might be best suited to be the substitute player, or is Daw the perfect prototype for such a role given his energy and explosiveness?
Delaney could be subbed on to quell the influence of an Eagle forward while Scott and Mullett might be injected to provide some much needed run late in the game.
With each rookie offering something different, one thing is certain; the battle will be on at training during the week if the club decides to make the move.
Tell us who you think will be upgraded and why in the comments section below.
