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Masten out as Eagles seek AFL midfield fix

West Coast have dropped wingman Chris Masten but will welcome back Luke Shuey and Mark LeCras for Saturday's AFL clash with Gold Coast.

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Source: AAP


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West Coast's midfield struggles have caught up to durable wingman Chris Masten, who has been dropped for Saturday's AFL clash with Gold Coast.

The 28-year-old has only missed a handful of games in the past five seasons but has struggled to make an impact over the past fortnight.

His form slump has come at a time when West Coast, sorely missing influential ruckman Nic Naitanui, have been smashed in the midfield.

The Eagles gave up a 54-31 margin in clearances during last week's loss to Greater Western Sydney, and were hammered in the contested-possession count by a ruthless Essendon the week before.

They will be bolstered by the return of gun on-baller and reigning best-and-fairest Luke Shuey for the clash with the Suns at Metricon Stadium.

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Shuey has been forced to carry a heavy load for West Coast this season, with stalwart Matt Priddis well down on his best and prized recruit Sam Mitchell rotating between the midfield and back line.

Forgotten key defender Eric Mackenzie has been named for just the second time this season and could be swung forward to replace spearhead Josh Kennedy (calf).

Veteran goalsneak Mark LeCras will also return in place of the omitted Malcolm Karpany after recovering from a hip niggle.

Midfield dynamo Gary Ablett has been named by Gold Coast but must pass a fitness test on his injured shoulder on Friday morning.

Ablett and former Eagle Matt Rosa replace youngsters Brad Scheer and Brayden Fiorini.

Ladder-leading Adelaide have named an unchanged team for Friday night's clash with Geelong at Simonds Stadium, while the Cats have recalled veteran defender Tom Lonergan and livewire Nakia Cockatoo.

North Melbourne will also line up unchanged against Richmond on Saturday night, with small forward Dan Butler returning for the Tigers.

Essendon have lost young midfielder Darcy Parish (calf) and veteran James Kelly (groin) for Saturday's clash with Greater Western Sydney, who will welcome back running machine Tom Scully.


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