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Eagles link has Royals primed for Demons

Ready: Mark Hutchings, right, walks laps with Jack Darling, left, and Scott Selwood. Hutchings will play for East Perth today. Picture: Michael O’Brien

East Perth’s bid to make a statement received a boost yesterday when West Coast squad members Mark Hutchings, Rowen Powell and Dylan Main were included for today’s clash with Perth at Lathlain Park.

And the Royals are also expected to regain Brant Colledge this morning after the 20-year-old was overlooked for West Coast’s match against Brisbane at the Gabba tomorrow.



Ex-Demon Colledge has been a standout performer in the Royals’ past three games, dominating in wins against Swan Districts and Subiaco and also being his side’s best player in last Saturday’s 23-point loss to Peel.



The Royals named teenager Shayne Hille to make his league debut.



Hutchings, on the comeback trail from a groin injury, proved his fitness with three quarters in the reserves last weekend.

The 23-year-old played 16 AFL games last year, shining in run-with roles late in the season against Adelaide’s Patrick Dangerfield and Collingwood’s Scott Pendlebury.

East Perth football manager Mark Winnett said the addition of Hutchings would help the Royals in their desire to avenge the loss to the Thunder.

“Mark’s obviously a quality player who has had an injury-interrupted season to date,” Winnett said.

“He slotted straight back into the reserves last week and obviously played and pulled up very well.

“We look forward to having him back in the side and helping him build his form and fitness for the AFL.”

Tall forward Powell will play his first league match, the 19-year-old restricted to seven games in the reserves last year before a shoulder injury ended his season.

Perth made two changes to the side which beat Claremont by nine points last weekend, promoting former Royals squad member Blake Borrett as well as Joel Kalajzic.

Teammates last year, cousins Stephen and Jacob Payne could line up against each other today after Jacob was cleared to Perth before the start of the season.

Wingman Stephen won the FD Book Medal as East Perth’s best player in 2014.