Jayden Hunt's AFL career suddenly on thin ice after being axed for West Coast's clash with GWS
Champion, who came through West Coast's Next Generation academy program, will make his debut as the sub in Friday night's clash with GWS at Optus Stadium.
The 19-year-old has kicked seven goals in 11 WAFL Eagles games this year, with his defensive pressure highlighted by an 11-tackle effort against Peel recently.
Champion's debut comes just a week after West Coast unveiled swingman Jobe Shanahan, who impressed with a goal and three marks from eight disposals in a 29-point loss to Collingwood.
The recent retirements of Jeremy McGovern (concussion) and grand final hero Dom Sheed (knee) — plus injuries to Elliot Yeo, Oscar Allen and Jake Waterman — have further accelerated West Coast's move to generation next.
Jamie Cripps, Allen, Hunt, Campbell Chesser, Jack Petruccelle and Tom Cole are among the more notable names who are coming out of contract at the end of this season.
Allen is being widely tipped to join either Brisbane or Hawthorn as a restricted free agent, but the rest of the players mentioned face a nervous wait to see if they will be offered a new deal.
It means Hunt's dramatic drop in form has come at the worst possible time, with the former Melbourne Demons star to be axed for the clash with GWS.
The 30-year-old tallied just one disposal from 14 per cent playing time as the sub last Saturday, which followed on from a two-disposal effort a week earlier against Carlton.
'Form can get everyone at different times,' Eagles coach Andrew McQualter said.
'We're going to send Hunty back (to the WAFL) and build his game again, like we've done with other players this year.'
McQualter praised Malakai for his rapid progress this year.
And with the likes of Harley Reid, Bo Allan, Tyrell Dewar, Reuben Ginbey, Tom Gross, Clay Hall, Elijah Hewett, Sandy Brock, Archer Reid, Jack Williams, Shanahan and Tom McCarthy either having already made their mark or shown flashes of their potential, there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel in West Coast's rebuild.
GWS (9-6) beat West Coast by 81 points earlier this year and will be aiming to post another percentage-boosting win.
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