WEST Coast's hopes of a competitive performance against St Kilda on Sunday have taken a significant hit, with star midfielder Tim Kelly withdrawn pre-game because of illness. 

Kelly and fellow onballer Luke Edwards, who has also been pulled out because of illness, have been replaced in the Eagles' 22 by mid-season draftee Ryan Maric and midfielder Xavier O'Neill. 

Young ruckman Harry Barnett will make his debut as the substitute, with the Eagles severely limited at selection after entering the week expecting to have as few as 25 fit players to choose from. 

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Match Previews R16: West Coast v St Kilda

Sportsbet's Nathan Brown and Matthew Richardson preview the game between the Eagles and the Saints at Optus Stadium.

Published on May 29, 2023

Kelly has done much of the heavy lifting for West Coast this season, averaging a career-high 28.5 disposals and 6.0 clearances to be the frontrunner for the club's best and fairest.

Heavily favoured St Kilda will take an unchanged line-up into the clash at Optus Stadium, with young forward Cooper Sharman named as the Saints' substitute.

West Coast v St Kilda at Optus Stadium, 2.40pm AWST

LATE CHANGES
West Coast: Tim Kelly and Luke Edwards (both illness) replaced in selected side by Ryan Maric and Xavier O’Neill

SUBSTITUTES
West Coast: Harry Barnett
St Kilda: Cooper Sharman

EAGLES v SAINTS Follow it LIVE

Melbourne v Greater Western Sydney at Traeger Park, 2.50pm ACST

NO LATE CHANGES

SUBSTITUTES
Melbourne: Jake Melksham
Greater Western Sydney: Ryan Angwin

DEMONS v GIANTS Follow it LIVE

Hawthorn v Carlton at the MCG, 1.10pm AEST

LATE CHANGE
Carlton: Tom De Koning (knee) replaced in selected side by Lewis Young

SUBSTITUTES
Hawthorn: Finn Maginness
Carlton: George Hewett

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