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Eagles boss likely to stick with AFL team

3 minute read

West Coast coach Adam Simpson says forecast heavy rain is unlikely to prompt a late change to his side to host Port Adelaide in Friday night's AFL game.

ADAM SIMPSON, Senior Coach of the Eagles chats to Mark LeCras of the Eagles during the 2017 AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the West Coast Eagles at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.
ADAM SIMPSON, Senior Coach of the Eagles chats to Mark LeCras of the Eagles during the 2017 AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the West Coast Eagles at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia. Picture: Adam Trafford/Getty Images

No matter how much rain falls, West Coast coach Adam Simpson will be reluctant to make a late change for Friday night's AFL game against Port Adelaide.

Simpson's Eagles host Port Adelaide on Friday night amid forecasts of heavy rain in Perth.

"We are reluctant to adjust and really the way you play should stand up in any conditions," Simpson said.

"I think it's going to rain in the morning but I'm not sure what it's going to do at night.

"It would have to be pretty heavy, the rain, to make a team adjustment, but I wouldn't discount it.

"We haven't done that too often before, maybe once back in 2014 when Callum Sinclair missed out on his first game against Sydney."

Simpson has recalled winger Lewis Jetta in place of Josh Rotham after a one-match absence due to a hamstring strain.

And despite the predicted rain, Port coach Ken Hinkley has called on tall forward Todd Marshall to replace speedy utility Steven Motlop.

Marshall's recall could prompt veteran swingman Justin Westhoff to be redeployed from a key attack posting.

"It certainly gives us that flexibility," Hinkley said.

"We also understand the team we're coming up against with their intercept-markers.

"They have got (Shannon) Hurn, (Tom) Barrass, (Jeremy) McGovern - they're all good intercept markers, so we've got to make sure we try and keep them busy."

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