West Coast star to push through the pain, McQualter buoyed by top draft picks

West Coast coach Andrew McQualter said his side will look noticeably different in 2026.

The Eagles will travel across the country for a David and Goliath-esque battle this Sunday as they take on a rampaging Gold Coast at People First Stadium in Round 1.

McQualter said West Coast fans can expect an injection of youth this weekend.

"There's a huge chance we will have some debutants playing this week," he said.

"We are a different team, there's no doubt about that. Our list has changed a lot over a small period of time, so there will be new players in our team, which will be incredibly exciting for us."

McQualter said Eagles star Reuben Ginbey will play against the Suns despite battling an on-going toe injury, while veteran Jack Graham will be a test.

"Reubs' is good to go," he said. "Like most players, there is always something going on from a physical point of view, but he is as tough a soldier as we have got. He has been in main training now for two sessions and he will train today and be right to go.

"Jack has to get through main training today. He has missed a couple of weeks now, so it is an important session for him today and hope he gets through."

Young gun Elijah Hewett won't play in the club's Round 1 clash after he missed training with a quad injury.

McQualter said the club is excited by its top two 2025 draft picks Willem Duursma and Cooper Duff-Tytler, but he is wary of placing too much responsibility on their young shoulders.

"Willem in particular has just been so versatile and athletic; he is a competitor," he said.

"Throughout the year we are going to get some great performances from him, but understanding that these young draftees are still 18 years old and this is a pretty tough caper, so we don't want to put too high expectations on them.

"We will just keep splitting (Duff-Tytler's) time in forward and ruck and we know how capable he is in both areas, but not exactly sure for the whole year."