A rejuvenated Daniel Kerr will spend more time up forward in 2010 in a bid to prolong his AFL career and increase his effectiveness in West Coast's fledgling outfit.

Kerr, arguably the club's most gifted player, has been hit by a spate of injuries and suspensions in recent years, playing just 11 games in each of the past two seasons.

The 26-year-old is finally free of the groin trouble that plagued him last year and will feature in West Coast's intra-club game on Wednesday night after completing a meticulous fitness program over the summer.

Coach John Worsfold said Kerr was nearing the elite fitness he displayed during West Coast's glory years, when he teamed with fellow superstars Ben Cousins and Chris Judd to form the AFL's most formidable midfield.

"Kerrey at his best is going to be a top-line midfielder in big periods of games," Worsfold said of the 166-game veteran on Tuesday.

"But there's no doubt you'll see Kerrey playing forward probably more than he has in the past.

"(It's) not to protect him but to get the best out of him, make him add most value to the team.

"If you remember a few years back Ben Cousins spent less time on ball and more time as a forward, (still at times) coming up and getting involved.

"I've got no doubt Kerrey can play that role really well but he's still going to be one of the premier midfielders in the competition."

Eagles youngster Luke Shuey will get the daunting task of manning Kerr during the 60-minute scratch match, which will be made up of three 20-minute periods.

Shuey, taken with pick No.18 in the 2008 national draft, had his 2009 season ruined by a series of groin and leg injuries but Worsfold said the 19-year-old was ready for the challenge of playing on Kerr.

Ruckman Dean Cox, Mitch Brown, Josh Kennedy, Tom Swift and Beau Waters are amongst a group of 16 players not available for the intra-club match, which will pit an 'A' side, made up of West Coast's established players, against an inexperienced 'B' outfit.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP