WAFL 2022: West Perth lose key players including Aaron Black for Peel Thunder clash

West Perth will be without five of their best players including co-captain and Sandover medallist Aaron Black for their clash against Peel Thunder at Lane Group Stadium on Sunday.

Black, fellow prime midfielder Luke Meadows, reigning Bernie Naylor medallist Tyler Keitel, star defender Noah Pegoraro and ruckman Michael Mallard are all out because of COVID-19, while fellow ruck Zak Patterson has been suspended.

Injuries and COVID has forced the Thunder to make seven changes, including losing Fremantle-listed players Connor Blakely, Liam Henry (health and safety protocols), Joel Western (hamstring) and Joel Hamling (knee).

The Thunder will welcome back Dockers forward Sam Sturt, while draftee Neil Erasmus will make his WAFL debut after playing two AFL games.

Peel recruits Wade Derksen and Zak Pretty have also broken in to the league team after impressing in the reserves last weekend.

Perth and East Perth have welcomed back prime midfielders for their Anzac eve match at Mineral Resources Park.

Former Collingwood and West Coast endurance runner Josh Smith will play his first game since round one last year because of hamstring and knee injuries.

Forward Kristian Cary is also back in the side after suspension, while Jack Avery and Conor McPartland have been named.

Former Fremantle and Collingwood forward Chris Mayne will miss more than a month with a fractured cheekbone, while Jye Clark has a hamstring injury.

Royals captain Jackson Ramsay will play his first game of the season after missing their win over Swan Districts in round one with a hamstring injury.

Former Hawthorn defender Damon Greaves is out with COVID-19, while Shayne Hille is sidelined with a hamstring injury and recruit Elijah Taylor has been dropped after just two disposals in round one.