Young West Coast defender Rhett Bazzo will play his first game in more than a year as the Eagles prepare to tackle Geelong without their two star backmen.

Bazzo, 20, will come into the side for his first AFL appearance since round 20 of last season after battling a groin injury that sidelines him for most of the season.

Recently re-signed defender Harry Edwards and Bazzo will be the pillars of the Eagles’ defence in their final game of 2024 with Jeremy McGovern (thumb) and Tom Barrass (back and hamstring) both sidelined.

Young West Coast defender Rhett Bazzo will play his first game in more than a year as the Eagles prepare to tackle Geelong without their two star backmen.

Bazzo, 20, will come into the side for his first AFL appearance since round 20 of last season after battling a groin injury that sidelines him for most of the season.

Recently re-signed defender Harry Edwards and Bazzo will be the pillars of the Eagles’ defence in their final game of 2024 with Jeremy McGovern (thumb) and Tom Barrass (back and hamstring) both sidelined.

The duo will have their hands full even in the absence of the Cats’ all-time leading goalkicker in the retiring Tom Hawkins, with Jeremy Cameron and 203cm South Fremantle product Shannon Neale spearheading their pursuit of a top-four finish.

West Coast will also be without star forward Liam Ryan who will miss because of personal reasons.

Bazzo was joined in the side by Clay Hall, Campbell Chesser, Ryan Maric and Jack Hutchinson, while small forward Loch Rawlinson was the travelling emergency.

Midfielder Zane Trew has been dropped, while Alex Witherden is injured, joining McGovern , Ryan and the retired Andrew Gaff out of the side.