WA are set to welcome back three of their highest-rated players for Saturday’s trial match against Subiaco reserves at Leederville Oval as preparations ramp up for the AFL National Under-18s Championships.

WA Football Commission State talent manager Adam Jones confirmed draft bolter Reuben Ginbey and East Perth teammate Jedd Busslinger will return from East Perth league duties and fellow first-round fancy, Swan Districts midfielder Elijah Hewett, from illness.

Ginbey, who’s played mainly down back for the Royals and PSA outfit Wesley, will get a run on-ball to give AFL recruiters an opportunity to see a different side to his game.

West Perth defender Daniel Gathercole and Claremont midfielder Harry Cole will also be in the mix after pulling out out WA’s nine-point loss to Claremont at Revo Fitness Stadium on Saturday late due to sickness.

“It’s going to be pretty tight for spots next week,” Jones said.

Jones was impressed with the Black Swans’ undermanned backline, led by Claremont pair Hugh Davies, Rohan MacNeill and Peel’s Jed Adams.

He also liked the look of silky-skilled Subiaco forward Tyrell Dewar, who booted an equal team-high two goals, Swans speedster Darcy Jones and bottom-aged Thunder ruck Mitch Edwards.

“It was tough conditions early before drying off a bit, we weren’t super but it was a good hit-out,” Jones said.

“Darcy Jones was a really valuable player for us, Tyrell Dewar played one of his best games for the year and Mitch Edwards was really good for a bottom-ager.

“The mids improved in the second half but we thought they got a bit outworked and the forward-line still has a bit of work to do, but I thought our defence held up really well.”

The next trial match will form part of a double-header with the 18s taking on Subi reserves from 9.10am followed by the 16s against the Lions colts from 11.40am.

WA’s national under-18s carnival opener is against Vic Metro in Melbourne on July 2.