Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
West Coast remains hopeful key defender Harry Edwards will return to the AFL next season after being placed in a specialist concussion rehabilitation program. The 25 year old has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 campaign after suffering three concussions this year, but the Eagles believe the outcome from his latest medical assessment provides optimism for his long term future.
Edwards recently appeared before the AFL's concussion panel in Melbourne and will now complete a three month rehabilitation program before undergoing another assessment to determine whether he can resume his playing career.
Eagles encouraged by concussion assessment
West Coast coach Andrew McQualter said the outcome of Edwards' assessment was encouraging despite the defender's season ending setback.
"It's a positive result," McQualter said.
"We know that he's just got to go through a three month rehabilitation process now and work through those protocols."
"But Harry's a much loved member of our team and our club and important to us, so he'll go away and do that, and then we're hopeful that he's still got a long career ahead of him."
Edwards has played 57 AFL games since making his debut and remains an important part of West Coast's defensive plans.
Defensive stocks tested against Adelaide
The Eagles will again be without Edwards when they host Adelaide at Optus Stadium on Friday night.
His absence, combined with Reuben Ginbey's quad injury, has left West Coast short of experienced key defenders.
Tylar Young and Rhett Bazzo are expected to shoulder the responsibility against Adelaide's dangerous tall forward line featuring Darcy Fogarty, Taylor Walker and Riley Thilthorpe.
McQualter said reducing Adelaide's supply inside forward 50 would be critical.
"It will be crucial for our team to apply pressure further up the field" to limit the Crows' attacking opportunities.
Kelly returns as Francou earns AFL debut
West Coast receives an important boost with Tim Kelly returning after recovering from a hamstring injury.
The Eagles will also hand a debut to midseason recruit Oliver Francou following an impressive start to his time at the club.
The son of former Port Adelaide midfielder Josh Francou has averaged 24 disposals and eight tackles across four WAFL appearances since joining West Coast.
"He's made a huge impact at this footy club in a short period of time," McQualter said.
"He missed most of last year through injury, so he snuck under everyone's radar and missed out on the draft."
"But even his first five or six games in the SANFL this year were so strong and powerful. He's a contested ball player, but he's also got more run in his game than people realise."
Crows looking to respond after derby defeat
Adelaide enters the contest with a 9 and 6 record after suffering a surprise 26 point loss to Port Adelaide in last week's Showdown.
Despite that defeat, McQualter expects a strong response from Matthew Nicks' side.
"They're really hard working, blue collar," McQualter said.
"Their last six or seven weeks has been really strong."
"They probably had a disappointing day, they would say, last week. Port got a hold of them, but they're a good team."
The Crows are also expected to welcome star midfielder Izak Rankine, who is set to play despite tweaking his ankle and knee in the derby loss.
West Coast, which sits at 4 and 11, will be aiming to produce a much stronger midfield performance after being comprehensively beaten around the contest in last week's 53 point defeat to Carlton.
