West Coast Eagles team news: Loch Rawlinson confirmed for AFL debut, Jamaine Jones axed for Swans clash

West Coast have confirmed rookie Loch Rawlinson will make his dream debut in his home state when the Eagles take on Sydney in Mt Barker on Saturday.

It comes as the Adam Simpson and the selectors drop speedster Jamaine Jones, with Josh Rotham recalled for his first game of the season as the Eagles chase a breakthrough win.

Rawlinson comes into the side for recruit Tyler Brockman, who flew home earlier this week as his teammates stayed in Melbourne, having entered concussion protocols.

Brockman was subbed out at half-time of the Eagles’ 76-point loss to the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.

Rawlinson earns a call-up after an impressive three-goal, 14-disposal debut for West Coast’s WAFL side against Swan Districts at the weekend.

The Mitcham and Sturt product was the first pick in last year’s rookie draft and came to the Eagles after starting the 2023 season as a midfielder in the SANFL under-18 competition, where he averaged 24 touches and a goal in his first six games.

But the 18-year-old finished the year playing mostly as a forward, booting 10 goals in his final five matches.

Rotham, 26, will play his 59th game when he takes on the Swans, with his pre-season having been hampered by groin issues.

The 26-year-old impressed WAFL coach Kyal Horsley who said: ““It was a strong four-quarter performance from Josh.

“He was encouraging and helping his teammates all game, while also defending well and made some big spoils. He gave us real bounce in offensive transition.”

Rotham’s inclusion could give Simpson the opportunity to swing veteran Tom Barrass or Jeremy McGovern forward to help fix their scoring woes after they booted a miserable 3.12 against the Bulldogs.

Luke Edwards will also be an inclusion into the starting 22, named on a wing after starting as last week’s substitute.

Meanwhile, Sydney have named former Collingwood star Taylor Adams for his club debut while Harry Cunningham is back from a concussion.

Defender Dane Rampe is out with an injury, while East Fremantle product Corey Warner has been dropped.

WEST COAST LINE-UP

B: C Jamieson, T Barrass, B Hough

HB: L Duggan, J McGovern, T Cole

C: L Edwards, R Ginbey, J Cripps

HF: J Petruccelle, J Waterman, N Long

F: R Maric, J Darling, H Reid

R: B Williams, E Yeo, T Kelly

IC: J Hunt, C Chesser, J Williams, J Rotham, L Rawlinson

EMG: A Gaff, J Jones, T Dewar