West Coast midfielder Luke Shuey will get the chance to boost his case for All-Australian selection when he fronts up against Geelong tagger Scott Selwood in Thursday night's AFL clash at Domain Stadium.
Shuey has established himself as West Coast's most damaging midfielder in recent seasons, and he came close to winning his first All-Australian jumper last year.
The 27-year-old has continued his strong form this season, but his credentials will be put to the test in a likely showdown with Selwood.
Shuey was restricted to just 19 disposals when he was tagged out of the game by Mark Blicavs in a 44-point loss to Geelong last year.
Blicavs will miss the rematch after being ruled out because of soreness, but Selwood has found fitness and form in recent weeks and looms as a major obstacle for Shuey.
Eagles coach Adam Simpson feels Shuey has improved his ability to handle tags, and he wants to see the midfielder prove it on the big stage.
"For him to be a quality A-grade All-Australian midfielder, he's got to handle tags like he's probably going to get this week," Simpson said.
West Coast will be without spearhead Josh Kennedy (calf) for a second straight match, while premiership defender Sam Butler and forward Josh Hill were axed.
Defenders Tom Cole and Tom Barrass have been handed recalls.
Geelong are relying on former St Kilda ruckman Rhys Stanley to fill the void left by suspended forward Tom Hawkins.
The Cats (8-3) have won three games in a row to purr back into premiership contention.
In contrast, West Coast (6-5) have slipped out of the top eight following three straight defeats.
Simpson is backing his players to regain their form in the second half of the season.
But if they don't, Simpson warned there could be some high-profile axings on the selection front.
Kennedy and ruckman Scott Lycett (shoulder) could both return for next week's home clash with Melbourne.
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