West Coast Eagles will consider recalling Bailey Williams after ruckman Matt Flynn’s early season struggles

West Coast will consider recalling Bailey Williams for his first game of the season after again getting mauled in the ruck during Saturday night’s 128-point loss to Sydney.

Brodie Grundy tore the Eagles apart with 28 disposals, nine clearances, 33 hit outs and one goal in a dominant display against Matt Flynn during Sydney’s massive 24.19 (163) to 4.11 (35) victory.

Flynn has struggled to compete against the best ruckmen all season. Jarrod Witts had 20 possessions, 51 hit outs, seven clearances and one goal against West Coast in round one. Then Tristan Xerri had 25 disposals seven clearances and 43 hit outs in round two. The Eagles also lost the hit outs to Port Adelaide’s Jordan Sweet in round three.

West Coast have been beaten 187-109 in the hit-out battles across the first four games.

“It’s been a little bit of a battle for us,” Eagles coach Andrew McQualter said.

“It’s also about predictability in the ruck. Hit outs are one thing, but then it’s the predictability of where the ball is going and how your mids set up. That’s something we’re working really hard on.

“We’ve come up against three of the premier ruck in the rucks in the competition. They’re really mature rucks who have been doing it for a long time.

“We have Flynny and two young rucks working their way through it, and we’re seeing some growth and some predictability. Today, it got away from us a bit too much. And Grundy’s influence on the game was really high.”

Williams hasn’t played this season but had 11 possessions, 34 hit outs and two goals in the WAFL on Friday.

The 25-year-old played 16 games last season and is among West Coast’s most experienced players.

McQualter said the groin injury which Williams’ interrupted pre-season had made it hard for him to earn selection, but he will be considered to face Geelong at Norwood Oval during Gather Round on Sunday.

“Rucks don’t grow on trees. They’re hard to get and they’re hard to develop. Bailey’s not had much of a preseason, but now has put a few games together,” he said.

“We know Bailey’s capability. So he’s now getting to the point where he’s played enough footy and he’ll come into contention.”

Flynn’s struggle to have an impact around the ground has also been an issue. He hasn’t taken a mark since the second quarter of the win over North Melbourne in round two.

But McQualter said it wasn’t fair to single out Flynn for his performance against the Swans.

“He wasn’t alone. Flynny might have had his best game, but I’m not sure too many players walk off that field beating their opponent or ticking off their role within the game.”