WAFL Round 17 teams: Injury blows for Hunter, Turner, draft prospect in the mix for debut

Claremont have been dealt a massive blow with star forward Jaiden Hunter ruled out for the season with a serious knee injury.

The luckless former Essendon key forward suffered an ACL rupture in last week’s win over East Perth at Sullivan Logistics Stadium.

Hunter has kicked 87 goals in just 33 games including 34.11 in 13 appearances this season, but the 24-year-old now faces his third knee reconstruction.

Tall utility Max Minear (hamstring) is back for Saturday’s home contest against West Perth at Revo Fitness Stadium, while spearhead Sam van Rooyen has been recalled and Rory Luscombe has been omitted.

The Falcons are missing State defender Zac Guadagnin (chest) and youngster Luke Michael, with Nate Dimanlig and Menno Inverarity coming in.

Swan Districts captain Jesse Turner is in a race against time to play again this season after injuring his hamstring against South Fremantle last match.

The Black Ducks will be without Turner and Kade Chalcraft for their clash against ladder leaders Peel Thunder at Steel Blue Oval on Saturday.

Important defender Jarvis Pina is back from suspension, while emerging teenager Luke Cotellessa has earned a recall alongside young tall forward Harley Cummings.

The Thunder will once again have the services of Doig Medal-winning ruckman Sean Darcy in a potentially unchanged team, depending on whether AFL emergencies Hugh Davies, Brandon Walker and Chris Scerri are required for Fremantle’s Friday night clash against Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium.

Subiaco welcome back big guns Jacob Blight and Jack Petruccelle for their season-defining clash against Perth at Sullivan Logistics Stadium on Saturday.

Young forward Campbell Henderson also returns, with Lucas Blair, Richard Bartlett and Steve Miller out.

Blake Schlensog (personal) is a massive out for the Demons alongside Archer Gardiner, with exciting forward and mature-aged draft prospect Kane Johnston and running machine Riley Wills back in action.

East Perth have brought back speedster Coby Burgiel, in-form forward Tom Medhat, defenders Stan Wright, Jacob Msando and Kade Screigh as they look to stay in touch with the top five with a win over East Fremantle at The Good Grocer Park on Saturday.

The Royals have suffered several tough injury blows with injury-prone star Cooper Stephens out with a leg injury, key back Corey Watts with a calf, Riley Saunders with an ankle and gun midfielder Tom North with a hip issue.

Teams for Sunday’s clash between West Coast and South Fremantle will be announced on Friday evening with State 18s goalsneak Cam Maynard in the mix for a senior berth for the reigning champs.