West Coast have lost patience with out-of-form first-round draftee Elijah Hewett as they prepare to welcome back key defender Harry Edwards for their clash against Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

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Hewett and Harry Schoenberg have been axed after the disappointing loss to Richmond, while forward Matt Owies will miss because of a calf strain.

It comes as Edwards has been named at full-back for his first game since he sustained a second concussion in less than a month early in West Coast’s round two win against North Melbourne.

Edwards is one of five potential inclusions alongside 2024 first-round draftee Bo Allan, forward Jack Williams as well as midfielders Clay Hall, Harvey Johnston and Jack Hutchinson — who could all play their first games of the season.

Hewett has been dropped after struggling in his four appearances this year, averaging only 10 disposals and one clearance after returning to the team in round five loss to Geelong after injuries hindered his start to 2026.

“We rate Elijah highly and he has been in constant conversations with our coach Andrew McQualter about his form and the best pathway to get back to playing primarily as an AFL midfielder,” Eagles head of football John Worsfold said.

“He had an interrupted pre-season, and we feel he needs to build his midfield craft and fitness base.

“We see the opportunity to play a full game in midfield in the WAFL as the best option for him this week.”

Hewett, 21, is out of contract at the end of this season and is facing a make or break year, having played a career-best 20 games last year after missing all of 2024 with a foot injury.

It comes after The West Australian revealed Hewett had been offered a five-year deal worth roughly $700,000 a season to remain at the club. He was last dropped in round five of his first season in 2023.

Hewett was drafted with pick No.14 in 2023 out of Swan Districts, with the Eagles splitting the No.2 pick that year as part of a four-club deal to land the midfielder as well as Rueben Ginbey (No.9).

Owies was recalled for the loss to the previously winless Richmond on the back of five goals in the WAFL, but is now sidelined with a calf strain.

Schoenberg also regained his spot after missing the 101-point belting to St Kilda, but failed to fire with only 12 disposals and no tackles.

West Coast have not rested first-year ruckman Cooper Duff-Tytler despite his decreased output in recent weeks, with the teenager to partner Bailey Williams against the formidable Max Gawn and the improved Max Heath.

It also means leader Matt Flynn will remain on the outer for a fifth-consecutive game.

Defensive recruit Tylar Young has also retained his spot in the team despite The West Australian revealing he had conceded an AFL worst 24 goals from eight games this season, with calls for Rhett Bazzo to get an opportunity.

Instead, the Eagles could play forward Williams for his second game of the year after he was dropped following the loss to St Kilda when he had five touches and one behind.

Hutchinson has been among the best in the Eagles’ WAFL side for the past three games after returning from a serious ankle injury over the summer, while Hall has been impressing as a tagger in the reserves.

Allan was controversially dropped for the Tigers’ clash but could get an instant recall, while Johnston is averaging 14 disposals and a goal in his role as a wingman.

Melbourne will be forced to make at least one change with forward Brody Mihocek out with a hamstring injury.

Subiaco-product Luker Kentfield has been named in the extended squad for a potential debut alongside premiership defender Jake Bowey, Peel Thunder defender Jed Adams and Andy Moniz-Wakefield.

Melbourne v West Coast

Sunday, Marvel Stadium, 11.10am

DEMONS

B: D Turner J Lever B Howes

HB: C Windsor H Petty C Jiath

C: K Tholstrup T Sparrow H Sharp

HF: E Langdon M Jefferson K Pickett

F: L Pickett J van Rooyen B Fritsch

FOLL: M Gawn J Steele K Chandler

I/C: H Langford B Laurie J Bowey J Adams M Heath P Cross L Kentfield A Moniz-Wakefield

IN: J Bowey J Adams L Kentfield A Moniz-Wakefield

OUT: B Mihocek (hamstring)

EAGLES

B: L Duggan H Edwards R Ginbey

HB: B Hough T Young L Baker

C: T McCarthy E Yeo R Maric

HF: M Murdock J Shanahan W Duursma

F: M Champion J Waterman C Duff-Tytler

FOLL: B Williams H Reid T Kelly

I/C: J Lindsay H Johnston B Allan T Cole C Hall J Williams H Davis J Hutchinson

IN: H Johnston B Allan C Hall J Williams J Hutchinson H Edwards

OUT: M Owies (injured) E Hewett H Schoenberg (omitted)