Nic Naitanui, Andrew Gaff among five changes for West Coast ahead of GMHBA clash with Geelong

The season is over early for West Coast stars Nic Naitanui and Andrew Gaff, with the pair among five changes for the Eagles ahead of their clash with Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday.

Gaff (ankle) and Naitanui (knee) are joined by defender Brady Hough (illness) and forward Jake Waterman (knee) on the sidelines, with midfielder Greg Clark technically an omission from the 22 after being utilised as the medical sub against Fremantle.

Mid-season recruit Jai Culley and former Cat Tim Kelly are back from suspension, while premiership forward Willie Rioli returns after missing the western derby to be with family following his father’s funeral last week.

Bailey Williams will act as the No.1 ruckman in Naitanui’s absence, having been dropped to the WAFL side last week.

Rebounding defender Jamaine Jones, who was subbed off against the Dockers after suffering back spasms, has recovered and will take his place on the half-back flank.

Clark, Isiah Winder, Alex Witherden and developing key forward Jack Williams, who played his only AFL game against North Melbourne in round two, are the emergencies. One of the quartet will act as the medical sub.

Geelong will be without superstar spearhead Jeremy Cameron, who suffered a hamstring injury against Gold Coast, while Rhys Stanley has an adductor strain and Tom Atkins has been managed.

The Cats will welcome back Isaac Smith and Esava Ratugolea for Patrick Dangerfield’s 300th game.

EAGLES TEAM

B: S Hurn T Barrass L Duggan

HB: L Foley H Edwards J Jones

C: S Petrevski-Seton T Kelly J Redden

HF: J Cripps J Darling W Rioli

F: Z Langdon H Dixon L Ryan

FOL: B Williams X O’Neill L Shuey

I/C: J Nelson R Bazzo J Rotham J Culley

EMG: I Winder J Williams A Witherden G Clark