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Eagles cop more blows on AFL injury front

3 minute read

West Coast coach Adam Simpson says he will turn to youth to help fill the void left by a series of injuries to key players.

ADAM SIMPSON.
ADAM SIMPSON. Picture: Daniel Carson/AFL Media/Getty Images

West Coast's depth will be put to the ultimate test in Sunday's clash with Carlton at the SCG, with Josh Kennedy one of five players ruled out through injury.

Tim Kelly (knee) and Oscar Allen (concussion) were already known casualties from last week's loss to Essendon, but Kennedy (soreness), Brendon Ah Chee (calf), and Jarrod Brander (adductor) were added to that list on Thursday.

They join Luke Shuey, Jeremy McGovern, Alex Witherden, and Liam Duggan on what has become a worryingly long injury list.

"And (we don't have) a heap of guys who are available, senior ready-made players (to come in). So you'll get some youth this week, which is exciting," Eagles coach Adam Simpson said.

Luke Edwards, the son of former Adelaide Crows star Tyson Edwards, will make his AFL debut, while young midfielder Xavier O'Neill has also been named in the side.

Zane Trew could make his AFL debut after being named on the extended eight-man interchange bench.

Harry Edwards is set to replace Allen in defence, while midfielder Brayden Ainsworth and defender Luke Foley are a chance to be included in the side as well.

Ruckman Nathan Vardy and GWS recruit Zac Langdon were also named in the extended squad.

The Blues will be without Michael Gibbons (hamstring), and have included Paddy Dow, Zac Fisher, Jack Newnes and Luke Parks in the extended squad.

Simpson said Witherden's groin injury was osteitis pubis-related, but the club hopes it has caught it early enough.

Fellow Eagle Elliot Yeo missed nine months with a osteitis pubis injury.

"Every club has a few guys with OP or those symptoms," Simpson said.

"Everyone is different. With some guys if you can catch it early enough, you can manage it.

"Hopefully we've caught it early enough. We're nowhere near that conversation (about surgery)."

Yeo will spend more time in the midfield against Carlton.

But with Kelly (knee) joining Shuey (hamstring) on the sidelines, West Coast's midfield will lack its usual star power.

West Coast's season hangs in the balance at 6-5, but Simpson wasn't in the mood to have a conversation about the team's top-four hopes.

"We don't think top four at all. Not one little bit," Simpson said.

"We're thinking finals, that's our goal. We want to qualify for finals."

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