West Coast midfielder Jai Culley will make his long-awaited return from an ACL injury against winless North Melbourne on Saturday, as the Eagles welcome back in-form forward Jake Waterman.
Culley has not played at the top level since round eight last season, shortly after earning a Rising Star nomination with a career-high four goals against Port Adelaide. The 194cm utility has impressed in seven WAFL games this season, gradually building fitness and culminating in a 30-disposal performance against Perth last Sunday.
In a surprise move, mid-season draftee Jack Hutchinson will make his debut after scoring five goals in the reserves last week, having been picked up by the club just a week ago.
The trio will replace star midfielder Harley Reid (suspended), as well as forward Jack Williams and last week’s substitute Zane Trew, who have been omitted.
West Coast’s attempt to appeal Reid’s two-match ban for a dangerous tackle on St Kilda’s Darcy Wilson was unsuccessful. Reid will not return until round 16, as the Eagles have a bye next week. Additionally, midfielder Josh Kelly will miss his second consecutive match due to a hip injury.
Meanwhile, North Melbourne have made two changes, with co-captain Jy Simpkin returning from a quad injury, and Kallan Dawson also coming into the side. Zane Duursma (managed) and Charlie Lazzaro (omitted) are the players making way.
WA defender Riley Hardeman, Dylan Stephens, and Duursma are the emergencies for the Roos, while Josh Rotham, Loch Rawlinson, and Zane Trew are the emergencies for the Eagles.
