Wellingham on outer again at West Coast

Out-of-form midfielder Sharrod Wellingham remains a key part of West Coast’s future plans despite being forced to spend more time in the WAFL, according to coach Adam Simpson.

The Eagles made four changes for Friday night’s clash with Richmond at Patersons Stadium, but Wellingham was a notable absentee.

The 26-year-old has endured a turbulent time since making the switch from Collingwood to West Coast at the end of 2012.

A serious ankle injury suffered during a trampoline mishap marred his 2013 campaign, and the 2010 premiership star has been dropped on three separate occasions this year due to indifferent form.

Simpson, in his first year as coach of West Coast, said Wellingham was merely going through a tough learning phase in his career.

“He’s really excited about what he can do and what he’s learning off the field and on the track and on game day as well,” Simpson said of Wellingham, who will line up for WAFL side East Perth on Saturday.

“We think there is some terrific upside from Sharrod and we’re not writing him off by any stretch.”

West Coast welcomed back retiring ruckman Dean Cox for Friday’s match, while forward Josh Kennedy returns from suspension.

Defenders Mitch Brown and Brad Sheppard were also recalled after overcoming recent injuries, with Blayne Wilson (omitted), Scott Lycett (rested), Jacob Brennan (ankle) and Callum Sinclair (omitted) the players to make way.

Richmond recalled Matt Thomas and Nathan Gordon after losing Daniel Jackson (glute) and Ricky Petterd (finger) to injury.

The Tigers were tipped by many to challenge for a top-four berth this year after finishing fifth in 2013.

But just three wins from their first 13 games cruelled those hopes, with Richmond (6-10) now set to miss the finals altogether.

Three straight wins have seen Richmond regain some of their mojo from 2013, but the Eagles (7-9) want to steal it straight back off them in order to keep their own slim finals hopes alive.

“In their last five weeks … their numbers are really high in everything from contested ball to time in possession, clearances and scores from stoppages,” Simpson said of the Tigers.

“All the things that made them such a good team last year are back.

“They’re in a really good space. They did a number on us last year over here. It’s going to be a difficult game.”

Simpson said star Tigers trio Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and Brett Deledio loomed as the biggest dangers for his side.

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