WEST Coast has dumped premiership defender Liam Duggan for Thursday night's elimination final with Essendon, however captain Shannon Hurn has been named.

The reigning premiers have omitted Duggan and speedster Jack Petruccelle for the do-or-die clash with the Bombers, and have lost versatile tall Oscar Allen to knee soreness.

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But skipper Hurn has been selected despite battling a hamstring injury after coach Adam Simpson cast doubt on his place earlier this week.

Ruckman Nic Naitanui returns for his first game since round 17 after overcoming an ankle injury, alongside premiership pair Will Schofield and Mark Hutchings.

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Essendon has made five changes for its trip west, with stars Dyson Heppell, Cale Hooker, Jake Stringer and Orazio Fantasia all returning after missing round 23.

Small forward/midfielder Will Snelling is the surprising inclusion, with the mid-season draft pick-up back after overcoming injury to return to the VFL last week for a half.

Will Snelling is a surprise inclusion for the Bombers. Picture: AFL Photos



Key defender Michael Hurley has been named after training this week despite his shoulder injury as Essendon aims to break its 15-year drought without a finals win.

Michael Hartley, Tom Jok, Josh Begley and Dylan Clarke have all been cut for the clash, while Martin Gleeson will miss with a minor calf injury.

West Coast v Essendon at Optus Stadium 6.10pm AWST

WEST COAST

In: W.Schofield, N.Naitanui, M.Hutchings

Out: O.Allen (knee soreness), L.Duggan, J.Petruccelle

ESSENDON

In: C.Hooker, J.Stringer, O.Fantasia, D.Heppell, W.Snelling

Out: M.Hartley, T.Jok, J.Begley, D.Clarke, M.Gleeson (calf)