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Few players care more about West Adelaide than David Piasente. The Bloods' former skipper typifies the club's working-class attitude and now his team-mates want to follow his lead in his 100th game at Thebarton Oval tomorrow.
"He wears his heart on his sleeve and he'll go out there and fight for you no matter what," Ryan Anderson said of Piasente, his house-mate and team-mate. "Hopefully we can put a good one in for him on the weekend."
It's obvious how much reaching the milestone means to Piasente. If all his team-mates show as much desire against Woodville-West Torrens, an upset could be on the cards.
"He's very nervous this week," Anderson revealed.
"He's been very good for the club this year. Even though he stepped aside as captain, he shows good leadership with the young boys and teaches them how to play good footy.
"They're (Eagles) a good side, they've got some good players which is why they're in contention to be up there with the best teams."
Just when West coach Andy Collins was poised to name his first unchanged line-up this season, he received an unexpected gift - Brad Moran - at selection last night.
The Crows utility was omitted despite showing promising signs in Showdown XXV, allowing Collins to name the 199cm giant at centre half-forward.
Experienced defender Simon Munn is Collins' other inclusion but he must survive the coach's cut when he trims his extended bench by two before the bounce.
Desperate to stay in the race for a top-five berth, the Eagles named Tom Corbett, Lee Staple, Chris Hall, James Rimington and Matt Goldsworthy in their squad of 22.
Former captain Justin Cicolella will miss with a hamstring injury while Nick Salter, Craig Fitzgerald and Jarrad Wright were three significant omissions, sent to the reserves.
Courtesy of The Advertiser
Story by Zac Milbank