West Coast coach Andrew McQualter has confirmed his side is set to make one change for Friday's affair with GWS, with debutant Malakai Champion coming into the team and in line for the sub role.
While McQualter 'doesn't love' the concept of debuting a player as the sub, he wanted to reward the players from last week's clash with Collingwood as well as Champion.
The small forward has caught the attention of his coaches in recent weeks through his WAFL form, having first arrived over the off-season as a player not seen ready for AFL action.
"It's a really special story with Malakai. He's been on a journey," McQualter said on Thursday.
"We took him as part of our NGA. Came to the club at the start of this year and probably wasn't ready for AFL footy, he'd be the first to admit that.
"But he's worked really hard on his game this year. He's got himself fit and is really consistent with the role he's playing at WAFL level.
"It's a great opportunity for him to play. I don't love it, but he is going to start as sub tomorrow night. I appreciate it's not ideal for a debutant, but he still seemed pretty happy when we told him.
"We wanted to keep the team the same and reward 'Mally' as well."
With Champion coming in, veteran Jayden Hunt will come out of the side and be named in the WAFL, McQualter confirmed.
Hunt will be joined by fellow senior Eagles Tom Cole and Matt Owies at the state league level this weekend, with the pair returning from hamstring and calf injuries respectively.
"Form can get everyone at different times," McQualter said.
"We're going to send 'Hunty' back, build his game again like we've done with other players this year.
"Competition for spots is terrific. We want that and encourage it's not a walk-up team."
The Eagles are chasing their second win of the season and will host the Giants at Optus Stadium on Friday night.