West Coast Eagles veteran Andrew Gaff in line for AFL return as Tyrell Dewar set for debut

West Coast could be calling on a familiar face to help fill in the void left by Elliot Yeo, while Tyrell Dewar will finally get to play his first game in the blue and gold.

Andrew Gaff has been named on the extended bench to face Collingwood with the veteran a chance to play his first game since round one following key injuries to Yeo, Jake Waterman and Noah Long.

Gaff has been one of the Eagles’ best performers in their beleaguered WAFL side averaging more than 22 disposals and four tackles per game.

It comes as former Dewar — a former Subiaco Lion — will make his debut with the 20-year-old medium forward named in the Eagles’ forward line in place of the injured Long.

Dewar was the travelling emergency against the Power but has had to bide his time for an AFL chance since the Eagles Academy product was brought onto the list as a category B rookie at the end of 2022.

Since then Dewar has averaged 10 disposals and kicked 17 goals in his 23 games for the reserves.

“He ran an absolute muck in one of our academy sessions in Kalgoorlie and since then he’s become a real role model and mentor for our NGA program,” Academy manager Chris Brown said.

Dewar was quick to thank coach Adam Simpson for getting his chance.

“I’d like to thank Simmo for giving me a game,” he said to his jubilant teammates.

In good news on the injury front for the Eagles, Jayden Hunt has been named fit after missing last week’s Bombers clash with toe and knee issues while Ryan Maric has recovered from his illness that saw him as a late withdrawal and will help cover the loss of Waterman.

Jamaine Jones is also named on the extended bench and will likely compete with Gaff and last week’s debutant Harvey Johnston for the final place in the best 23.

The Eagles will finalise their line-up before their flight to Melbourne on Friday.

WEST COAST

B: J Rotham, T Barrass, L Duggan

HB: B Hough, J McGovern, T Cole

C: D Sheed, T Kelly, L Edwards

HF: J Petruccelle, L Ryan, J Cripps

F: T Dewar, J Darling, J Williams,

FOLL: B Williams, R Ginbey, H Reid

I/C: A Gaff, J Hunt, C Chesser, A Witherden, H Johnston, J Jones, R Maric, H Edwards

COLLINGWOOD:

B: B Maynard, D Moore, J Howe

HB: I Quaynor, J Noble, O Markov

C: S Sidebottom, S Pendlebury, J Daicos

HF: H Harrison, B Frampton, R McInnes

F: P Lipinski, B Hill, D Cameron

FOLL: M Cox, J Crisp, N Daicos

I/C: J Elliott, E Allan, F Macrae, J Bytel, J Richards, W-Hoskin Elliott, L Sullivan, C Dean