AFLW: West Coast Eagles welcome back stars Kellie Gibson and Jess Hosking for Hawthorn Hawks clash

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AFLW: West Coast Eagles welcome back stars Kellie Gibson and Jess Hosking for Hawthorn Hawks clash

West Coast has been boosted by the return of two stars for their trip to Melbourne to face Hawthorn at the weekend.

**** forward Kellie Gibson and new recruit Jess Hosking will both be available for the clash with the Hawks, which could shape the Eagles’ season.

Gibson was managed out of last week’s defeat to Port Adelaide after the Eagles’ crammed schedule across the past month.

“It wasn’t an injury so to speak with Gibbo, but she was one after a lot of footy in a short ******* of time (that) needed a week off,” coach Daisy Pearce said.

But Hosking’s return has been three weeks in the making. The former Richmond player, who lit up the early rounds in an impressive start to the season, has overcome a quad complaint.

West Coast have flagged Hosking will start as a forward.

Camera IconJess Hosking returns for the Eagles. Credit: Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images

It means Daisy Pearce’s side will play small-ball. Rucks Tess Lyons and Sarah Lakay have both been dropped after the defeat to the Power.

It means Lauren Wakfer will take over ruck duties as part of a smaller lineup, coming back on-ball after holding down a forward line role without Gibson.

The Eagles will have to wait at least another week to add key forward Amy Franklin back into that mix.

“Amy Franklin would have gone close, but she will need another week with her finger,” Pearce said.

Lyons made her debut earlier this season and has largely been playing as a back-up ruck and resting on the bench.

Mikayla Webb, Lyons and Octavia Di Donato — who also debuted in recent weeks — are the emergencies.

Hawthorn have made three changes after losing a trio of players in their win over Fremantle.

Kristy Stratton and Laura Stone are out, as is Mackenzie Eardley leaving the field on a stretcher after a sickening collision.

Mattea Breed, Louise Stephenson and Bridie Hipwell come into the side.

“They have got a lot of depth in their squad. The injuries were unfortunate, but impressive that they were able to ****** through the game with only a couple on the bench,” Pearce said of the Hawks.

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