West Coast have pulled young ruck-forward Cooper Duff-Tytler out of its WAFL match, just hours before its AFL clash with Essendon at Optus Stadium tonight.
The Eagles told The West Australian the 18-year-old would be the carryover emergency for the clash with the Bombers, but the move has sparked speculation they could make a late change to their side.
Yesterday, Duff-Tytler was named in the Eagles’ reserves team to take on Peel Thunder at Mineral Resources Park, alongside the other AFL emergencies for their clash with the Bombers in Tom Gross and Clay Hall.
But while the midfield pair have both been locked in to take on the Thunder in what will be wet and windy conditions at Lathlain, the 200cm 18-year-old has been withdrawn and will be replaced by Sasha Kernutt.
West Coast will lock in their final team to take on Essendon at 4.20pm, an hour before the start of the game at Optus Stadium.
Taken with the No.4 selection in last year’s draft, Duff-Tytler played the first nine games of West Coast’s AFL season, impressing with a two-goal performance in their win over North Melbourne in round two.
After being granted a rest for their upset victory over Greater Western Sydney earlier this month, he was not able to win back his place for their clash with Collingwood, with Jack Williams preferred in his place.
Duff-Tytler was impressive in his first WAFL appearance last weekend, finishing with a line of 15 disposals, 19 hit-outs and two goals against East Fremantle.
Eagles coach Andrew McQualter said Duff-Tytler was “really stiff” to miss out on selection after he was overlooked to take on the Magpies.
“I think he probably played his best game prior to resting him but I just spoke to Coop and was really honest, and I said ‘the way that our guys performed last week it was difficult to make changes’,” McQualter said.
“That’s a good problem for our club to have and Cooper understood. He gets to go work on his craft at WAFL level and I look forward to him playing and keep doing what he’s doing.”
