WA will be forced to make at least seven changes ahead of their AFL National Under-18s Championship clash against Vic Country in Geelong on Sunday.

Some of WA’s best players across the first two games of the carnival are missing due to COVID protocols including Swan Districts midfielders Darcy Jones and Riley Hardeman, West Perth pair Kane Bevan and Luke Michael and East Fremantle utility Jed Hagan.

Adding to the big list of outs is East Perth key defender and first-round draft fancy Jedd Busslinger who’s season is over as he books in for shoulder surgery.

A pair of highly-rated bottom-agers will get their first taste of State 18s action, Peel running machine Clay Hall - son of ex-Geelong/West Coast forward Derek - and Perth/Scotch College big man Coen Livingstone who’s part of the Eagles’ Next Generation Academy.

“Coen is a prospect for next year but I’m pretty excited by what he can bring,” WA under-18s coach Ben Dyer said.

“Clay Hall has been going well at Peel so he’ll come in and will likely play on the wing.

“Both of those boys getting a taste of the carnival this year will be good for them coming into their draft year next year.”

Perth and Aquinas College ball magnet Connor McDonald, the younger brother of Sydney forward Logan, will make his State debut after being added to the squad last week.

McDonald has been in dominant form in the PSA and colts.

“It’s good reward for what he’s been able to do, he was around the mark in our first selection but since then he’s had some really strong games at both colts and PSA levels,” Dyer said.

“He would’ve come in anyway, regardless (of COVID/injuries).”

South Fremantle livewire Chase Bourne is also among the inclusions alongside fellow Dockers NGA talent and West Perth key forward Jasper Scaife who plays his first game of the tournament after serving a two-game suspension.

Subiaco and Eagles NGA forward Tyrell Dewar has earned a recall after a two-goal colts game at the weekend.

“He’ll come back in, he was good in our trial games and lively against Vic Metro,” Dyer said.

“He’s improved since he’s come into our program and done some good things.”

Classy East Fremantle speedster Koen Sanchez is back from a groin injury after getting through a game of colts last week on reduced minutes.

Claremont son of a gun Ed Allan will play his first game of the year in the colts in Albany against West Perth after lower-back issues followed by illness.

Allan, the son of former Dockers captain, coach and Hawthorn premiership player Ben, will be in the mix for WA’s final carnival game against South Australia at Optus Stadium on July 24.

“If he gets through that game we’ll try get him in for the final game,” Dyer said.

WA will be looking for their first win of the carnival after losses to Vic Metro and the Allies respectively.