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West Coast Eagles weighing up returns for Luke Shuey, Tom Barrass, Liam Ryan, Luke Edwards and Jamaine Jones

Headshot of Braden Quartermaine
Braden QuartermaineThe West Australian
Tom Barrass.
Camera IconTom Barrass. Credit: Danella Bevis/The West Australian

West Coast are juggling multiple judgment calls on when to bring back players from injury, as they aim to continue the AFL’s longest current run of finals appearances.

The Eagles, who are likely to need one more win to play finals for a seventh straight season, are weighing up whether to recall captain Luke Shuey to face Melbourne next Monday night or in the western derby the following weekend.

Key defender Tom Barrass is set to miss a fourth game with a hamstring injury despite appearing to move well at training, with Barrass and forward Liam Ryan targeting returns against Fremantle in round 22.

Liam Ryan and Luke Shuey. West Coast Eagles training at Mineral Resources Park, Lathlain. 27 JULY 2021 Picture: Danella Bevis The West Australian
Camera IconLiam Ryan and Luke Shuey. Credit: Danella Bevis/The West Australian

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Midfielder Tim Kelly will be available to face the Demons after cutting his knee in last Saturday’s 45-point loss to Collingwood at the MCG.

Shuey, who has played just five games this season, has missed the past two games with a calf strain.

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West Coast football operations manager Craig Vozzo said Shuey was tracking well as he neared the end of his rehab work.

“We’ll make that call later in the week and that will be a balanced decision with the feedback that Luke gives us after completing those sessions,” Vozzo said.

The absence of Barrass against the Demons will hand youngster Harry Edwards a big assignment against a Demons forward line that includes Tom McDonald, Ben Brown and Luke Jackson.

“Tom’s getting close but unlikely for this week,” Vozzo said.

“It’s more looking like AFL (round) 22 but it’s so far, so good in terms of recovery. It’s just ended up being at the longer end of the spectrum for a hamstring strain and rehab than normal.”

Sport. AFL. West Coast Eagles training at Lathlain Oval. Coach Adam Simpson and player Tom Barrass. Picture Jackson Flindell The West Australian
Camera IconCoach Adam Simpson and player Tom Barrass.. Credit: Jackson Flindell/The West Australian

Midfielder Luke Edwards, who has played six games including as the sub, could return after missing two games with a hamstring injury.

“Luke is tracking well from a hamstring strain, he’s certainly further advanced than Tom Barrass and tracking well for some sign-off sessions later in the week,” Vozzo said.

“If he gets through main training in the spot that our staff deem necessary he’ll be available for selection.”

Forward Jamaine Jones, who has not played since round 16, has been listed as one to two weeks away and should be available for the final round meeting with Brisbane at the Gabba, when fellow forward Willie Rioli will also become available following his two-year doping suspension.

“Jamaine’s tracking ahead of schedule actually,” Vozzo said.

“We thought it was potentially not until after the home and away series, but if he keeps tracking the way he has been he’s some chance for selection next week. If not, AFL (round) 23.”

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