Big O is ready to go against the Dons
The long-awaited return of co-captain Oscar Allen was formalised by the West Coast Eagles match committee when they settled on the line-up to play Essendon at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
Allen, who has not played since the opening round against Port Adelaide because of a knee issue, ticked the final box on his way to resumption with a convincing training block this week.
Also included in a 25-man squad that will be refined tomorrow are defender Josh Rotham, midfielder-forward Tyler Brockman and wingman Jayden Hunt.
The inclusions of Brockman and Hunt would add a degree of pace as the Eagles prepare for a clash with one of the competition’s best teams under the roof at Docklands.
Hunt has been named on the wing while Brockman and Rotham have been named on the extended interchange bench with veteran Andrew Gaff, wingman Campbell Chesser, ruckman Bailey Williams, tall defender Harry Edwards, rookie Jack Hutchinson and midfielder Jai Culley.
At this stage the only player who was in the team that lost to North Melbourne who will be absent against the Bombers is midfielder Dom Sheed. The loping left footer has a minor hamstring strain.