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LeCras unlikely: sore forward may force changes

By Nathan Schmook 2:33 PM Wed 31 March, 2010

MARK LeCras is unlikely to face Port Adelaide at Subiaco Oval on Saturday as he battles lingering hamstring soreness from West Coast's round-one loss to the Brisbane Lions.

LeCras ran light laps ahead of the Eagles' closed training session on Wednesday morning, and coach John Worsfold said the 23-year-old was still in some discomfort four days after the side's season opener.

"He cramped up in the last quarter of the game, and normally most players that cramp have got rid of that soreness by today," Worsfold said. "His hasn't [subsided] yet.

"I don't think it's back-related [but] there's always a risk they are.

"[He's] probably unlikely to play this week, considering how it's feeling at the moment."

Worsfold named Scott Selwood and Matt Spangher as possible inclusions for the side to take on Port, with a reshuffle of the line-up to account for the loss of LeCras, who was West Coast's leading goalkicker in 2009.

Ben McKinley returned from injury in the WAFL but is an unlikely replacement, while draftees Brad Sheppard (fractured cheekbone) and Koby Stevens (knee) can't be considered to make their debut.

Matt Rosa is also in line for selection after recovering from a back injury, but Worsfold hinted that rookie Ashton Hams could find himself elevated and parachuted into the side.

Midfielder Tim Houlihan, who lacerated his foot in the off-season, has been extended to an eight-week proposition on the Eagles' latest injury list.

If he is placed on the long-term injury list before Thursday afternoon, Hams could be selected.

"Ashton Hams is in red-hot form. There is a possibility [he could be elevated], depending on a few things," Worsfold said.

"Some of the really good performers in the WAFL on the weekend, guys like Scott Selwood, Spangher, are going really well.

Selwood pressed his claims from the WAFL with 26 possessions and 16 tackles for Perth.

"He was unlucky to miss out last week," Worsfold said.

"He went back with a mindset to show he was in good touch and ready to step up. We can't really ask much more of him."

Aside from the possible unavailability of LeCras, Worsfold said he would back the rest of his side to bounce back from its defeat.

"Everyone else is fit and we're not too concerned about anyone's form in particular after that game," he said.

"Looking over the longer term, we think those guys can back up - the ones that weren't quite up to their best - and perform well this week."

Mark LeCras is a $330,000 forward in this year's Toyota AFL Dream Team.

Scott Selwood is a $251,400 defender.

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