Emerging West Coast star Harley Reid has been rested for Sunday's AFL clash with the Suns on the Gold Coast, but premiership hero Liam Ryan is back.
Reid, the No.1 draft pick, has enjoyed an outstanding start to his AFL career, with his match-winning heroics in last week's western derby the best of the lot so far.
The 19-year-old kicked three goals and racked up seven clearances from 19 disposals as West Coast stunned Fremantle by 37 points.
A week earlier, Reid racked up 27 possessions, seven clearances and a goal in West Coast's 39-point win over Richmond.
Despite Reid showing no signs of slowing down, West Coast thought it best to rest him this week, allowing him to return home to Victoria to spend time with family.
"We feel it is appropriate to manage him this week to give him the best chance to continue to be available and play at a high level for the remainder of 2024," West Coast football manager Gavin Bell said.
"The physical and mental demands to play, recover, prepare, train and play again are significant on younger players, so taking a weekend off will give him a chance to manage his body and energy levels as he adapts to his first full season of AFL football."
Reid's absence is a massive blow to West Coast's hopes of posting three wins on the trot, especially with Tom Barrass (suspended) also missing.
But Ryan, who hasn't been seen at AFL level since tearing his hamstring in round three last year, has been named to return - possibly as a defender given his recent stints across half-back in the WAFL.
Gold Coast have included Rory Atkins, Alex Sexton, Darcy Macpherson, Sam Day and Ned Moyle in their extended squad.
Geelong midfielder Cameron Guthrie (foot/quad) will play his first AFL match in 371 days in Saturday's blockbuster against Carlton at the MCG.
Rhys Stanley and Zach Tuohy are also back for the Cats, but Tom Stewart goes out through concussion.
Carlton are unchanged, with Zac Williams (achilles) and Jacob Weitering (quad) both named despite recent injury scares.
Port Adelaide have been bolstered by the returns of Charlie Dixon and Travis Boak for Friday night's home match against St Kilda.
Saints defender Dougal Howard (hamstring) returns to take on his former side, but forward Max King (knee) is still missing.
Fremantle have handed debuts to forward Patrick Voss and Cooper Simpson for Saturday night's encounter against the Western Bulldogs in Perth.
Heath Chapman makes his long-awaited return after overcoming a host of soft-tissue injuries, and Michael Frederick (hamstring) is also back.
Dockers spearhead Jye Amiss goes out through concussion, with the Bulldogs welcoming back Tom Liberatore for the first time since he collapsed in the loss to Essendon.
George Wardlaw joins debutant Riley Hardeman as ins for North Melbourne against Adelaide on Saturday.
The Crows get back Matt Crouch, Elliott Himmelberg and Luke Pedlar, but Sam Berry (foot) and Brodie Smith (back) have been ruled out.
Sydney have named Peter Ladhams in their extended squad for Sunday's meeting with Hawthorn, but there was no room for the fit-again Luke Parker, who may have to work his way back via the VFL.
Australian Associated Press
