Star West Coast recruit Sam Mitchell is set to play his first game for the club in Saturday's AFL pre-season clash with Fremantle as the race for midfield spots heats up.
The Eagles fielded a second-string squad in last week's 33-point pre-season loss to GWS, but the club's big stars are set to return for the practice derby in Geraldton.
Mitchell, who was snared from Hawthorn at the end of last season, is expected to headline the inclusions, while former North Melbourne forward Drew Petrie and Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis are also in line to play.
Fringe midfielder Mark Hutchings described Mitchell as a gun player, and said it was important for the club's new recruits to get a feel for the way West Coast play.
"The only way you can build that chemistry is when you're out there playing with each other," Hutchings said on Monday.
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"The game-day pressure - that's when you forge the stronger relationships.
"A lot of the boys who didn't play on the weekend are itching to play this week."
With Mitchell set to bolster West Coast's midfield this season, Hutchings knows he faces a big fight to retain his own spot in the side.
Hutchings notched 18 games last season, splitting his time between a ball-winning midfielder and a tagger.
The 25-year-old is treating the pre-season games as a chance to cement his spot in the side.
"There's no secret - 44 doesn't fit into 22. So you need to be at your best during training and during practice games," Hutchings said.
"I've felt the pressure for spots. We've all felt it. But it's good for the group.
"I go at 100 per cent every game. I don't have the luxury to go at any less.
"And I also don't want to go any less, because you don't want to get into bad habits - choosing what contests to go for."
Fremantle could unveil new skipper Nat Fyfe, who has recovered from the fractured leg that ruined his 2016 campaign.
"He's had a long layoff with injury. Hopefully he gets through unscathed," Hutchings said.
"I'm sure he'll play well. We need to be switched on, not only with him, but the rest of their midfielders."
