Jack Darling is on track for his highly anticipated AFL return on Sunday to make the clash with North Melbourne as the West Coast calls for reinforcements.
The forward’s career looked thin on ice after he initially refused to have the COVID-19 vaccine.
But the 29-year-old returned to the West Coast on March 10 after finally complying with the AFL’s COVID-19 protocol, only to rule out a foot injury for him from Sunday’s 27-point loss to the Gold Coast.
Eagles coach Adam Simpson said the darling was on track to return against the kangaroos after producing a dominant display during training.
“He is super fit. He only missed a few sessions with the foot injury,” Simpson said.
“It’s how he feels. We had a bit of a match sim with the WAFL Eagles this weekend and he scored about 10 goals so he looked good.
“It was three 12-minute sort of quarters. So we’ll see how he goes, see how he pulls. We will not push him. If he is right, he will play. If he is not, he will not play.”
Captain Luke Shuey (Hamstring), star midfielder Tim Kelly (COVID Protocols), striker Liam Ryan (COVID Protocols), and defender Alex Witherden (Suspension) are also set to return in what would be a big boost.
The Eagles have entered their season opener, missing 11 first-round picks, but the inclusion of Darling, Shuey, Kelly, Ryan and Witherden will put them in a much better position to roll the ball in 2022.
Simpson was proud of his team’s effort against the Gold Coast, but in the end they scored no more gas than the Sun in the last five minutes scored four goals.
The Suns were brilliantly led by star midfielders Matt Rowell (33 throws, 10 saves) and Izak Rankine (four goals).
Rowell struggled last year after suffering a serious knee injury in Round 1, but he seems ready to take his game to the next level in 2022.
The 20-year-old was cleared in a serious mid-air collision with Willie Rioli in the third quarter on Sunday, but he withdrew to play a crucial role in the victory.
“The way he walks on his feet, he’s going to do everything for the team,” Suns coach Stuart Dew said.
“We showed that clip after the game to say, ‘Sometimes your execution can be turned off, you can make some mistakes, but in the end, if it’s a close game, it’s the one that has the biggest heart.
“And we all know how big Rowelly’s heart is when it comes to competition … on foot or something.
“Not everyone who comes in likes the game and stays away from it, but he does and he pulls guys with him.”
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