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,McInnes’ maturity led to AFL call-up

Debut: Fraser McInnes, left, kicks to Liam Duggan.

East Perth coach Brian Dawson says Fraser McInnes can finally make the step into the AFL thanks to his self-belief and his understanding of what he is capable of.

The 21-year-old will make his AFL debut against Brisbane at the Gabba tomorrow, four years and 62 WAFL games after a league debut with Perth in 2011, when taken as a second-round draft pick by the Eagles.

The 197cm left-footer comes into a team focused on redemption after a first- quarter blitz last week against Fremantle left it without hope.

Coach Adam Simpson declared the thing he wanted to see from his players at the start of the game tomorrow was “intent”.

The Eagles are confident that Jeremy McGovern will play despite bone bruising on a knee. McGovern’s availability will determine how McInnes is used after roles in defence, attack and the ruck at East Perth.

But there is a query over Jamie Cripps, who hurt a foot when he was barbed by a stingray at Trigg beach yesterday morning. He went to Brisbane on a later flight than his teammates and was due to be assessed after arrival. Patrick McGinnity and Jamie Bennell travelled as emergencies.



Brisbane brought back captain Tom Rockliff, Tom Cutler, Mitch Golby and Nick Robertson.

Matt Maguire and Brent Staker were dropped. Jaden McGrath (foot) and Sam Mayes (foot) could not be considered.

Dawson said McInnes deserved his opportunity after big improvement in the past year. “He became more aware of his capabilities to be honest, that he could take marks and influence a game,” Dawson said.

“He trusted himself a bit more and I think that comes with maturity.”

Simpson said McGovern would play provided the pain settled before the game.

“We will see how he pulls up once we land,” he said.

“We think there are good signs there.”

McInnes will be the fourth debutant this year after Tom Lamb, Jackson Nelson and Liam Duggan.

“Fraser has been on our list for four years ... we need to find out about these guys,” Simpson said.