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West Coast recall veteran Andrew Gaff, name ruckman Matt Flynn against St Kilda at Optus Stadium

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Mitchell WoodcockThe West Australian
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VideoThe young AFL star has spoken exclusively to 7NEWS about his improving form and his fiery clash with former team North Melbourne.

West Coast have recalled veteran Andrew Gaff for his first game since round one, while they will finally debut ruck recruit Matt Flynn when they take on St Kilda at Optus Stadium on Saturday.

Gaff will play his first game since being subbed out and dropped after collecting only four disposals in a half against Port Adelaide in the season opener more than two months ago.

The 2015 club champion is one of four inclusions alongside former Greater Western Sydney ruckman Flynn, speedster Jack Petruccelle and 200cm defender Harry Edwards.

Wingman Jayden Hunt will miss with a toe injury, while defender Josh Rotham is out with illness. Forwards Tyrell Dewar and Jack Williams have been dropped.

Gaff, 31, comes back into the side after playing seven games for the Eagles WAFL side, where he has averaged 25 disposals and most recently had 25 touches, five tackles and five inside 50s in a win over Claremont.

The dual All-Australian earned selection ahead of an in-form Zane Trew, who is coming off 36 disposals in the same game and has been named as an emergency.

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Williams finds himself out of the side as the Eagles prepare to play Bailey Williams more forward as well as a back-up ruckman to Flynn, a plan they had before the latter seriously injured his hamstring on the eve of their pre-season clash against Fremantle in February.

The 20-year-old kicked a career-high three goals only four games ago against Essendon and has developed well this year, kicking nine goals in nine games while also pinch-hitting in the ruck.

Flynn comes in after only one game in the WAFL, where he had 27 hit-outs and nine disposals against the Tigers.

St Kilda have axed Subiaco product Lance Collard for the trip to Perth, as well as Cooper Sharman while Liam Stocker will miss with injury.

Tim Membrey, Hunter Clark and Dan Butler have come into the side that is looking to bounce back after losing six of their past seven games.

Lineup to face St Kilda

B: H Edwards T Barrass T Cole

HB: B Hough J McGovern L Duggan

C: C Chesser E Yeo R Ginbey

HF: J Jones J Waterman L Ryan

F: j Cripps J Darling B Williams

FOLL: M Flynn H Reid T Kelly

INT: A Gaff D Sheed J Petruccelle A Witherden R Maric

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