Eagles aim to shut down GWS spiritual leader Greene

GWS captain Toby Greene booted 4.4 in last week's win over Adelaide, and West Coast will be aiming to shut him down in Sunday's clash in Perth.

TOBY GREENE.
TOBY GREENE. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Toby Greene is known as the barometer for GWS, and West Coast coach Adam Simpson will be doing everything within his powers to shut down the Giants' "spiritual leader" in the AFL clash at Optus Stadium.

Greene's start to the standalone captaincy role was a memorable one, with the 29-year-old booting 4.4 to lead the Giants to a comeback 16-point win over Adelaide last week.

GWS have the chance to make it two from two under new coach Adam Kingsley on Sunday when they take on the Eagles in Perth.

The likes of Shannon Hurn, Liam Duggan and Tom Cole are among the options to match up on Greene, and Simpson knows the importance of shutting down the small forward.

"He had eight shots last week," Simpson said.

"They've got some high-end talent in that team. They seem rejuvenated with their style of play.

"He (Greene) is their spiritual leader, and if he gets off the chain, he can drag the whole team over the line.

"We're going to have to put some work into him."

West Coast will unleash their fourth debutant of the year when sub Elijah Hewett is injected into the game.

All of last week's debutants - Campbell Chesser, Reuben Ginbey and Noah Long - will also feature again.

Chesser is somewhat lucky to retain his spot following his five-disposal display in last week's five-point loss to North Melbourne.

Simpson is keen to give the 19-year-old another crack.

"One game in, I think we'll see some growth with what he can bring and expressing his strengths," Simpson said.

"We think there's more upside there."

Nic Naitanui is still sidelined with an Achilles injury, and the Eagles will use just one recognised ruckman this week - Bailey Williams.

GWS are still without Braydon Preuss (back), meaning Matt Flynn will again fly solo in the ruck.

"He was enormous for us," Kingsley said of Flynn's 25-hitout performance last week.

"Our centre bounce numbers particularly after halftime were really significant in us being able to turn the game."

West Coast were thrashed in contested possessions and clearances against the Kangaroos last week.

Simpson says it's imperative for improvement in those areas in order to give the talented forward line enough opportunities to hit the scoreboard.

West Coast dropped midfielder Xavier O'Neill, ruckman Callum Jamieson and last week's sub Jack Petruccelle.

Jake Waterman and Samo Petrevski-Seton come into the side.

GWS have lost Josh Kelly (concussion), Lachie Whitfield (concussion) and Harry Perryman (hamstring) to injury.

Harry Rowston has been named for his AFL debut, while Adam Kennedy and Cooper Hamilton were also included.