WEST Coast will field its Grand Final tall defensive trio for the first time this season after recalling veteran backman Will Schofield to solidify a youthful setup for Saturday's home clash with North Melbourne.
With skipper Shannon Hurn failing to recover from a calf strain, Schofield returns to play alongside triple All Australian big man Jeremy McGovern, who has been cleared from his ankle sprain, and full-back Tom Barrass.
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Back pocket Tom Cole has been dropped, while last round's debutant Francis Watson holds his spot after a steady effort against Melbourne in Alice Springs.
The Eagles' backline has struggled to cope with mid-sized Collingwood tall Brody Mihocek (four goals) and mobile Melbourne forward Bailey Fritsch (four) in the past two weeks, and Schofield has been called up for experience and team balance.
Schofield sporting a new look during the round 14 WAFL match against West Perth. Picture: AFL Photos 
North boasts a versatile attack built around Ben Brown, with Nick Larkey, Cam Zurhaar and Mason Wood dangerous marking options.
Schofield remains out of contract beyond 2019 and coach Adam Simpson praised the 30-year-old for his stoic attitude after being dropped ahead of the Western Derby three weeks ago when Barrass came back from a foot injury.
"I think it's tough to get to that stage of your career and your spot's not locked away," Simpson said.
"He's been so resilient for us, and it's a club-first attitude that he's got and he's ready to go when we call upon him.
"What more can you ask from a player like that? He stood up obviously last year, in particular late in the season when Shepp (Brad Sheppard) went down (in the qualifying final).
"He's playing his role for the club and we admire him for it."
Simpson said Hurn was close but a seven-day gap since he hurt his calf was too risky.
The premiership skipper should be back against Carlton at Marvel Stadium next round, while young half-back Liam Duggan (ankle) and tagger Mark Hutchings (hamstring) should also be available.
West Coast's lengthy injury list is starting to diminish with forward-ruck Nathan Vardy (knee/ankle) and Brendon Ah Chee (calf) set to take on Subiaco in the WAFL on Saturday, and goalsneak Jamie Cripps (adductor) is two weeks away.
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"We haven't seen Vards at his best this year. I think at his best he can be a great back-up for (Tom) Hickey as a forward-ruck, but we've got to get him going," Simpson said.
Star ruckman Nic Naitanui is yet to start running but still a chance to return from his syndesmosis injury this season.
"I think we're on schedule. I reckon in two weeks we can tell you exactly what's going on," Simpson said.
"At the moment we're getting good news and it's just on how he's feeling."
The Eagles (12-5) can tighten their grip on a top-four spot and stay in the race for a home qualifying final with victory over North, while the rejuvenated Roos (7-10) are playing for their season, needing a win to stand any chance of making the top eight.
