Prized West Coast recruit Tim Kelly will be the major drawcard when he makes his Eagles debut in Thursday's AFL pre-season clash with Essendon in Perth.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Eagles gave Geelong a first-round pick, two second-round picks and a future first-round selection as part of the expensive deal to secure Kelly.
The former Cat has fit in seamlessly at West Coast, with players rating his training standards elite.
Thursday's match at West Coast's base in Lathlain will be Kelly's first proper hit out in his new colours and the Kelly-Nic Naitanui combination at stoppages will hold plenty of intrigue.
Naitanui, who has been plagued by knee injuries in recent seasons, has been named for his first pre-season game in four years.
West Coast defender Jeremy McGovern (Achilles surgery) has only recently rejoined the club's main training group and won't be risked, while Jack Darling (fractured cheekbone) is also unavailable.
Oscar Allen (hernia) is another key position player still on the mend.
Essendon are even harder hit, with their injury list including Joe Daniher (groin), Dyson Heppell (foot), Cale Hooker (hip), Tom Bellchambers (knee) and Patrick Ambrose (knee).
Adam Saad and Jake Stringer are also notable absentees from Essendon's squad, while Conor McKenna is still in Ireland after getting home sick.
Australian Associated Press
