Jack Graham will miss his third consecutive western derby clash after being ruled out of Friday night’s clash.
The Eagles leadership group member is being managed, according to coach Andrew McQualter, and won’t feature in the blockbuster bout against Fremantle at Optus Stadium.
Seven’s Ryan Daniels reported on Wednesday night that Graham was fighting to overcome a hamstring issue following last weekend’s loss to Adelaide.
“Two six-day breaks. He obviously needs a fair chunk of footy, so we’ll make sure he’s right for the rest of the season,” McQualter said of Graham on Thursday.
“You lose experience, but it just gives opportunity to other guys and we’ll have some guys come into the team that are fit and excited.”
Graham failed to feature in the first derby of the season due to the shoulder injury that kept him sidelined for nine matches through the middle part of the year.
He missed the second derby of last year amid serving a four-game suspension for using a homophobic slur.
More to come
