Star West Coast midfielder Aisling McCarthy is poised to make her AFLW return for the Eagles in the second derby of the season at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

The Irishwoman was a late withdrawal last week, missing West Coast’s first win of the season over Gold Coast with an ongoing knee injury.

But McCarthy, a crucial cog in West Coast’s midfield, has been named to return as the Eagles aim to claim their first derby win.

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West Coast have also recalled defender Courtney Guard for her fifth game of the season.

Star defender Tayla Bresland will miss after suffering a hamstring injury against the Suns while speedster Katelyn Pope has been omitted.

Fremantle’s tough midfielder Katie-Jayne Grieve has been recalled for her first game of the season.

Grieve trailed only Kiara Bowers for tackles in the 2020 AFLW season and her physicality against the Eagles in the inaugural derby last season saw her finish as one of the best on ground.

Rookie forward Mikayla Hyde has also been recalled, forcing midfielder Bianca Webb and forward Ashley Sharp out of the side.

“KJ is a valuable part of our midfield when she’s up and going and she’s worked hard on her fitness and got to the level and is now playing some good footy,” Fremantle coach Trent Cooper said.

“We’re in a good position now with the WAFLW players in some really good form. Mikayla Hyde and Katie-Jayne have both demanded selection with their really good form over the past two weeks. We’re really pleased and Mikayla was probably unlucky to go out of the side in the first place.”