West Coast's mid-season pick up Jai Culley is edging closer to an AFL debut after impressive form in the WAFL, per reports from SEN's Tim Gossage.
Culley was taken with pick one in June's AFL mid-season draft after a successful stint at the Dandenong Stingrays. Since landing in Perth, Culley has played four games for the Eagles' WAFL side, earning praise from those around the selection table for the senior team.
The 19-year-old has been selected as an emergency for West Coast's last two matches, but looks set to pull on the jumper for Sunday's clash against Hawthorn at the MCG.
Confident @WestCoastEagles will pick Jai Culley to make his debut this week. Hawthorn MCG after some improved WAFL form enough to suggest it’s time to see him at the next level.
— Tim Gossage 🤓 (@TimGossage) July 12, 2022
West Coast will be forced into making at least two changes with Jack Petruccelle suffering a hamstring injury in Round 17. The club is expecting the 23-year-old to be sidelined for at least two weeks.
Willie Rioli also won't feature this weekend after the passing of his father, Willie Rioli Snr. Willie Jnr has flown to Perth to spend time with family and will be unavailable for selection.
Ruckman Nic Naitanui is in doubt to make the trip after experiencing ongoing soreness. The 32-year-old will train tomorrow to prove his fitness, but is "unlikely" to feature, per reports from Channel 7's Ryan Daniels.
Elsewhere at the Eagles, Jaime Cripps is set to exit health and safety protocols later in the week, leaving his name in the selection mix for the trip to Melbourne. While Elliot Yeo is expected to spend just another two weeks on the sidelines as he continues to recover from a hamstring strain.
