West Coast coach Adam Simpson has explained the reason behind midfielder Dom Sheed's omission from his side's Round 8 plans.
Sheed was not selected in the Eagles' lineup after starting the past two matches as the tactical sub, having been integrated back into the senior side after a heavily interrupted start to 2024 due to a foot injury.
Across the two appearances, Sheed tallied half a game and would struggle to have an impact in the late stages of both matches. A need to see out a full game to aid his fitness, coupled with the Eagles' current midfield balance, has seen the 2018 premiership hero land back in West Coast's WAFL side.
Speaking on the selection call, Simpson explained Sheed is in need of a full game after a difficult year to date, with the club confident he will be back in the senior mix shortly.
"He played two games in the WAFL on limited minutes and we got him back in. We brought him back through the sub role, he got 20 and 40 minutes (over two games). There's not a spot for him just yet," Simpson told reporters on Friday.
"He wants to play four quarters. I'm not surprised, he's been out for so long. We tried to manage him as the sub and integrate him back, it didn't quite work. It's not a reflection or omission, he's got to get four quarters in and then when he gets up and about we'll bring him straight in.
"I think [there's still a spot in the midfield for him]. We've got a balance of youth and experience that's working pretty well. He gets that, and it's the same with 'Gaffy' (Andrew Gaff).
"We're not losing hope on those two. At the moment there's a bit of a squeeze, and they need to go back and play four quarters. As much as it is disappointing for those boys, mature about it and they understand. They want to be in good touch when they come back in."
Sheed was one of four outs for Saturday's game against Essendon, with Tyler Brockman and Harry Edwards also listed as omissions while defender Jayden Hunt will miss at least one game after dealing with knee, back and toe issues to start the season.
Young pair Noah Long and Harley Reid join defender Tom Barrass in coming into Simpson's side, along with debutant Harvey Johnson, who will play his first game in the royal blue and gold after a promising start to life as an Eagle.
Simpson confirmed Johnston will start his maiden match as the sub, with the Eagles coach excited to see what the teenager brings against the Bombers.
"His body's not quite ready, that'll take more than a few weeks, but he understands the game, the transition, the language that we use and runs the right patterns. So if that's all he brings, that's good," Simpson said of the Sandringham Dragons product.
"He's got good skill, uses both sides of the body well and makes good decisions. Whilst it's early to come into the team, we're reasonably happy."
All the emotions ๐ฅฒ pic.twitter.com/Iy3k5kdsKJ
— West Coast Eagles (@WestCoastEagles) May 2, 2024
Meanwhile, Simpson expressed confidence in the club having in-form midfielder Elliot Yeo recommit to the Eagles beyond this season, with the veteran ball-winner eligible for free agency under an unrestricted band in 2024.
Rival clubs are said to be showing an interest in the premiership Eagle, who sits in the top 10 for AFL Coaches votes this season.
Amid reports West Coast are yet to table an extension to Yeo, Simpson looked to pour cold water on the suggestions.
"I think [an offer] is on his desk, might be in his pigeonhole," Simpson laughed.
"We're working through that. From all reports he wants to stay, and we want to keep him. I'm hoping that's just a matter of time."
