Star defender, veteran midfielder to miss Eagles final pre-season clash

The West Coast Eagles have confirmed defender Reuben Ginbey and midfielder Tim Kelly will miss Sunday's Community Series fixture against Port Adelaide after the pair sustained injuries during the week.

While both issues are said to be minor, the club is focusing on having the pair fully fit for their Round 1 clash against Gold Coast.

Eagles High Performance Manager Phil Merriman confirmed Ginbey is battling an inflamed joint in his toe, which has seen him placed on a modified program, while Tim Kelly will be withheld due to hamstring tightness.

“At the moment we're letting it settle, but the plan is to build Ginbey up for Round 1,” Merriman said.

“Tim developed some hamstring tightness during training on Wednesday, and we have made the decision to hold him out from playing this weekend.

“We are confident he will be available for our Round 1 game.”

Inconsistent form paired with a number of injuries saw Kelly miss a handful of matches during West Coast's dismal 2025 season, with the 31-year-old averaging career-low stats across the board.

Ginbey, meanwhile, hasn't missed an AFL game in the past two seasons.

However, in positive news, the Eagles anticipate several important players will be available to be named for their Round 1 clash, or as soon as this weekend, including defender Brady Hough.

Hough suffered an ankle injury in late January at training, which has seen him sidelined since. However, Merriman revealed that he could return as early as this weekend's Community Series contest against Port Adelaide, should he pass a fitness test.

“Brady has progressed really positively, and we're excited to hopefully see him back out there,” Merriman said.

“He's recovered well and will be a test to play this week.”

The 191cm speedster has missed just one game across the past two seasons, establishing himself as an important part of the backline with his ability to lockdown, and he was exposed to midfield minutes in 2025.

Recently appointed co-captain Liam Baker will also be made available for selection against the Power after being managed following AFL Origin.

Fellow co-captain Liam Duggan will miss this weekend, with Merriman noting his concussion history as the reason for the club's cautious approach, but is set to be available next month.

Midfielder Jack Graham also will be in the mix for Round 1 selection, with him moving back into main training this week as his rehab from a hamstring injury progresses.

"We are taking a more conservative route with Liam, given his history with concussion," Merriman said.

“He's building steadily and is on track for the Round 1 match.

“Jack is working through the gears nicely and is a strong chance to be available for Round 1."

Top recruit Brandon Starcevich, who missed out on representing Western Australia alongside Baker in AFL Origin due to a calf injury, is making positive progress in his rehab, but Merriman could not confirm an expected return date.

“Brandon is continuing to build his reconditioning loads and is gradually moving back into the football program,” Merriman said.

The Eagles will play the Power at Mineral Resources Park this Sunday, with first bounce scheduled for 3:10pm (AWST).