West Coast sharpshooter Mark LeCras will make an earlier-than-planned return from injury in Thursday night's AFL clash with Melbourne in Perth.

It is a huge boost for the Eagles, with the 24-year-old the club's leading goalkicker and best and fairest last season.

After straining his groin while kicking for goal against North Melbourne in the opening round, he was initially expected to be out for up to 10 weeks.

But he was named to return on Wednesday night, along with rebounding defender Ashley Smith, for his first game of the season, and utility Patrick McGinnity.

The Eagles lost defender Mitch Brown, who broke his thumb in the club's narrow loss to Hawthorn, in their last match.

Bradd Dalziell, who was the substitute in that game, was dropped, along with Will Schofield.

Melbourne named an unchanged side from the one that thumped Gold Coast in their most recent match.

Both the Demons and the Eagles had a bye in round five.

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