No holding back in derby as big guns unleashed
A near full-strength West Coast face a fierce test in coach Adam Simpson's first outing when they meet a formidable Fremantle line-up in the NAB Challenge clash at Arena Joondalup tomorrow.
The Dockers have named 17 of their 22 from last year's grand final, including star veterans Matthew Pavlich, Luke McPharlin and Aaron Sandilands, as well as key midfielders Nat Fyfe, David Mundy, Michael Barlow and Stephen Hill.
Ryan Crowley, Zac Clarke, Chris Mayne, Nick Suban and Cam Sutcliffe are missing from the 2013 grand final team which lost to Hawthorn. And Clancee Pearce was a late withdrawal this morning. He has been replaced by Brady Grey.
Fremantle are set to unveil recruits Scott Gumbleton (from Essendon) and Colin Sylvia (Melbourne). Key-position prospect Alex Pearce, from Tasmania, could get a chance to impress.
Pearce, pick 37 in last year's draft, was the only new draftee named in the 29-man squad, which will be reduced to 26.
Fringe youngsters Max Duffy and Josh Simpson could also press their claims again after playing in last week's intraclub match at Patersons Stadium.
The Eagles will field an imposing side featuring experienced campaigners Darren Glass, Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Mark LeCras, Josh Kennedy, Eric Mackenzie and Luke Shuey.
New faces Xavier Ellis (Hawthorn) and Elliot Yeo (Brisbane) will line up in West Coast colours for the first time, as will top draftee Dom Sheed.
Midfielder Sharrod Wellingham has recovered from shin soreness to take his place and the club hopes to get more out of its star recruit in his second year at the club.
Powerful defender Shannon Hurn will play after missing much of last season.
Rookie big man Callum Sinclair and young ruckman Scott Lycett have been named alongside Cox in the absence of Nic Naitanui.
Beau Waters (shoulder) and Andrew Gaff (illness) are notable absentees.
Murray Newman, who was de-listed and then rookie listed at the end of last season, was included in the extended squad.
Newman is due to be sentenced next month after being convicted of assault occasioning grievous bodily harm for a nightclub assault.
