Colledge set for Eagles graduation
West Coast are preparing to blood their fifth new player of the season against St Kilda at Patersons Stadium on Saturday, with teenage utility Brant Colledge named to make his debut.
Colledge's inclusion was the only change to the Eagles side which belted Melbourne at the MCG last week, with the 19-year-old coming in at the expense of Shannon Hurn, who is expected to miss up top six weeks with a knee injury.
The Saints, who arrived in Perth today, also made just one change, bringing in Jimmy Webster for Dylan Roberton (omitted).
Colledge travelled with the Eagles last week but was forced to watch from the sidelines as an emergency.
Should he play, he will be the fifth player to debut for the club after Xavier Ellis, Elliot Yeo, Jamie Bennell and Dom Sheed.
His opportunity this week comes off the back of strong form throughout the pre-season and a best-on-ground effort for East Perth in their round-one WAFL win over Peel.
Speaking last week, Eagles coach Adam Simpson said the youngster's ability to swap easily between the midfield and forward line was a major asset.
"He has really embraced the flexibility of what we have been doing over the pre-season," Simpson said.
"His impact on ball has been really good and he has managed to kick a couple of goals every game that he has played.
"That is a rare skill to have."
