West Coast co-captain Liam Baker limps onto plane as Eagles prepare for early start against Port Adelaide

West Coast co-captain Liam Baker has limped his way onto the plane to take on Port Adelaide as the Eagles look to claim consecutive victories for the first time since 2024. Baker left the ground late with an ankle concern in the club’s win against the Kangaroos, but was cleared of any structural damage according to the weekly injury report. The 28-year-old had a noticeable limp as he arrived at Perth airport alongside teammate Jack Graham ahead of their clash against the Power at Adelaide Oval on Sunday morning; however, West Coast confirmed he was fit to play. The Eagles have made two changes, recalling draftee Josh Lindsay for his second game after he was dropped following the round one defeat to Gold Coast, while former Adelaide midfielder Harry Schoenberg will make his club debut. Second-year forward Malakai Champion was also on the flight, having kicked three goals in consecutive WAFL pre-season games, while key defender Sandy Brock also travelled as an emergency. The Eagles forced to make two changes because of injuries to key defender Harry Edwards (concussion) and mature-age sensation Milan Murdock (hamstring). Premiership defender Tom Cole was the only player named in the 26-man squad not spotted boarding flight, having been a late swap for Ryan Maric on Thursday evening because of an administrative error. Meanwhile, the Power have overlooked Brownlow medallist Ollie Wines despite losing midfielders Connor Rozee (hamstring) and Miles Bergman (ankle) to injury. Former Fremantle and Gold Coast midfielder Will Brodie will make his club debut for Port, while pre-season signing Josh Lai will play his first AFL game, replacing injured forward-turned-defender Todd Marshall (ankle). Defender Lachie Jones also returns from a hamstring injury to strengthen their backline. For Brodie, it will be his first AFL game in 1065 days, having played the last of his 29 matches at the Dockers in April of 2023. The 27-year-old was traded to the Power last year for pick No.103 in last year’s draft as Fremantle looked to open up a list spot and valuable salary cap space. Wines’ omission from the side after suspension is a stunning move considering Josh Carr’s side has a lack of midfield power in the absence of Rozee and Bergman. The 31-year-old is now likely to line up for the Power’s SANFL side in their round one clash against Glenelg. Port Adelaide v West Coast Sunday, Adelaide Oval, 9.30am POWER B: J Burgoyne E Ratugolea J Mead HB: L Jones A Aliir K Farrell C: L Evans J Horne-Francis J Wehr HF: J Lukosius M Georgiades J Berry F: D Byrne-Jones J Whitlock J Richards FOLL: J Sweet Z Butters W Drew I/C: C Durdin J Watkins E Mackinlay W Brodie J Lai EMG: D Visentini M Zadow O Wines IN: L Jones W Brodie J Lai OUT: C Rozee (hamstring) M Bergman (ankle) T Marshall (ankle) EAGLES B: L Duggan T Young B Hough HB: B Allan R Ginbey L Baker C: W Duursma E Yeo T McCarthy HF: T Kelly J Shanahan H Davis F: C Duff-Tytler J Waterman J Cripps FOLL: M Flynn H Reid J Graham I/C: J Lindsay A Reid D Robertson J Newton H Schoenberg EMG: T Cole M Champion S Brock IN: J Lindsay H Schoenberg OUT: H Edwards (concussion) M Murdock (hamstring)