New Eagles coach axes Darling, Dimma makes five changes

Star Eagles forward Jack Darling has been dropped for the first time in his AFL career. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)

West Coast interim coach Jarrad Schofield has made a huge early statement by dropping Jack Darling, while Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick has also wielded the axe.

Schofield, who replaces the departed Adam Simpson in the hot seat for Sunday's clash with the Brisbane Lions, also dropped Josh Rotham and wingman Campbell Chesser, while star defender Jeremy McGovern (ribs/lung) was ruled out.

But it is the axing of Darling that represents Schofield's biggest call, with the 293-game veteran paying the price for a poor season in which he has only kicked 18.10 in 16 appearances.

It marks the first time in Darling's AFL career that he has been dropped.

Harry Edwards has been recalled to replace McGovern, while Luke Edwards, Zane Trew and Ryan Maric are also back in the side.

Brisbane replaced defenders Jack Payne (foot) and Brandon Starcevich (concussion) with Shadeau Brain and Darragh Joyce.

Hardwick also went 'bang' on the selection front following last week's shock four-point loss to North Melbourne.

Tom Berry and Alex Sexton have been dropped for Sunday's encounter with Port Adelaide, while veteran David Swallow (managed) was also left out.

Alex Sexton.
Suns veteran Alex Sexton at full stretch during a recent clash against Collingwood.

Touk Miller (wrist) and Sam Day (foot) round out the five changes.

Into the side come Malcolm Rosas Jnr, Jed Walter, Connor Budarick, Lloyd Johnston and Alex Davies.

Port welcome back Charlie Dixon after the spearhead served his three-match SANFL suspension.

He replaces the suspended Mitch Georgiades, who kicked five goals in last week's 48-point win over the Western Bulldogs.

Dion Prestia headlines the ins for Richmond's home match against GWS on for Sunday, with the veteran joined in the side by second-year defender James Trezise, Steely Green and emerging tall Samson Ryan.

Kane McAuliffe, Noah Cumberland and Jacob Blight were all dropped, while Seth Campbell is being managed.

The Giants welcome back dashing defender Lachie Ash in place of Leek Aleer.

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