WEST Coast's poor pre-bye performance against Sydney combined with the returns of skipper Shannon Hurn, Elliot Yeo and Oscar Allen could see the reigning premiers make up to six changes for Thursday night's clash with Essendon.

The Eagles have confirmed exciting small forward Jarrod Cameron, the brother of Brisbane gun Charlie, will become their second 2019 debutant after Josh Rotham at Optus Stadium, coming into the side after Willie Rioli's one-game suspension.

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Big man Nathan Vardy is also banned for a match for rough conduct, and could face club sanction after coach Adam Simpson apologised to Andrew Brayshaw, his family and Fremantle for Vardy's "inappropriate" taunt at Andrew Gaff during training on Monday. 

Rotham and Josh Smith are likely omissions after coming in for Hurn and Yeo respectively for the 45-point loss to the Swans, while Jake Waterman (10 disposals, one goal), Mark Hutchings (14) and Jack Petruccelle (six) could also face pressure on their spots. 

Veteran wingman Chris Masten, who had 35 disposals against West Perth last outing, looms as a possible inclusion along with half-back Jackson Nelson (28) and last game's travelling emergency Brendon Ah Chee.

"It sounds like a lot (of changes), but the circumstances probably warrant some change," Simpson said.

"It's not too often you make that many changes, but when you look at the side we still think it's quite balance and experienced."

Cameron has been on the selection fringes and booted four goals against Swan Districts last month.

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The Next Generation Academy product – who was bid on by Brisbane before the Eagles swooped at pick No.39 in last year's NAB AFL Draft - is averaging a goal and 3.6 tackles from eight senior WAFL appearances this year.

"Eventually, he's very young in his AFL career obviously, he's only been at the club the last six months, we think he's going to be a pretty hard-working defensive forward that can use the ball really well," Simpson said.

"So we've got high hopes for him in the future.

"He was pretty excited (when he found out). We got him to kick a goal for his spot and he missed the first one, so we said double or nothing so he could kick the next goal.

"It was 20m out directly in front, so he was going to get it eventually."

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The Bombers clash is the start of a crucial month for West Coast, which faces Hawthorn at the MCG next round, before taking on Fremantle and Collingwood.

Star ruckman Nic Naitanui (ACL) and key backman Tom Barrass (foot) should be back against the Hawks provided they get through their WAFL returns unscathed at East Fremantle on Saturday.

Naitanui expects to play about 60 minutes and will be monitored on his number of ruck contests before being put on ice in preparation for the Hawks.