West Coast Eagles forced into late change as star midfielder withdrawn from St Kilda Saints clash

West Coast star Tim Kelly has been forced out of the Eagles’ Optus Stadium clash with St Kilda due to a hip complaint.

The Eagles announced the change late on Friday, with the veteran unable to overcome soreness in time to suit up.

It means Zane Trew gets rewarded for his fine WAFL form, called into the starting 22.

It would be the 22-year-old’s first outing since round 23 of West Coast’s disastrous wooden spoon campaign last year.

Tyrell Dewar, who has played as the sub in recent weeks, has been added to the emergencies alongside Jack Williams and Jai Culley.

Trew collected a game-high 36 disposals for the WAFL Eagles as they claimed their second victory of the season against Claremont last week.

On Thursday, veteran winger Andrew Gaff was confirmed to return from his banishment.

The 276-gamer, who sits equal fourth on the games player for West Coast list with champion Glen Jakovich, has not played since a nightmare round one outing against Port Adelaide.

However, solid form in the seconds, including 34 disposals against Claremont, earned him another chance with coach Adam Simpson.

The Eagles will also debut former Greater Western Sydney big man Matt Flynn in the ruck.

Flynn has overcome a hamstring tear suffered in pre-season training while jumping on a marking bag.

The sub will be confirmed closer to the 2.35pm bounce on Saturday.