WEST COAST has been dealt a couple of key blows ahead of Saturday’s important clash against Port Adelaide.
The AFL tribunal has handed down an eight-week suspension for star midfielder Andrew Gaff for his hit on Fremantle’s Andrew Brayshaw in last week’s Western Derby.
Gaff pleaded guilty to the crude off-the-ball strike that left his 18-year-old opponent with a fractured jaw and four displaced teeth.
The ban means his season is over.
Key forward Josh Kennedy will also miss the trip to Adelaide after not recovering from a leg injury suffered at training a fortnight ago.
The Eagles will also be missing key defender Will Schofield who suffered a minor hamstring strain in the derby.
The Perth team has already had to deal with the long-term absence of star ruckman Nic Naitanui because of his knee injury.
Despite their injuries, the Eagles remain second on the ladder and have won four of their last five games.
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