The West Coast Eagles have taken the unusual step of using a body double in their traditional pre-season team photo to fill in for an injured player.

Radio 6PR's Rumour File was sent a snapshot of the team photo session showing an unfamiliar face standing to the right of Eagles defender Mitch Brown.

Media officer Ben Roberts in the official Eagles team photo; actual West Coast player Callum Sinclair on the right.

The mystery player was quickly identified as the team's media officer, Ben Roberts, who was an outstanding player in local leagues.

Speculation was that West Coast had discovered a loophole for Roberts to take a place in the team's roster and escape the prying eyes of rival clubs.