Harvey’s usual opponent Adam Selwood is sidelined with an AC joint injury, leaving Masten and emerging run-with player Scott Selwood among Worsfold’s other options to negate the four-time All-Australian in his milestone match.
Masten, who has played 11 games in an injury-interrupted season, returned from a one-week ankle injury to have 35 possessions for WAFL side East Fremantle at the weekend.
Worsfold said he believed Masten, who has been used as a half-forward this season, would develop into a similar player to Harvey and he was considering giving him the role to educate the 21-year-old.
“It might be a great opportunity for him to step in and see how one of the great champions goes about his work,” Worsfold said from Subiaco Oval on Tuesday.
“To play on Brent Harvey for any period of time would be a great learning curve … I think he’s going to be a similar type player.”
Adam Selwood and rebounding defender Brad Sheppard have been ruled out this week with shoulder injuries, while key midfielder Matt Priddis (ankle) faces a race to be fit after missing last Saturday night’s heartbreaking one-point loss to Port Adelaide.
Priddis wasn’t expected to train on Tuesday morning, but Worsfold was hopeful the clearance specialist, as well as defender Shannon Hurn (hamstring), would be available to face the Roos.
“They should be close,” the coach said.
West Coast has used 37 players this season, including four of its rookies, and Worsfold said at least three more players could be used in the last two games.
Wingman Tim Houlihan is pushing to play his first game for the season, while small forward Ryan Neates and utility Jordan Jones could make their AFL debuts, either against North on Sunday or Geelong in round 22.
“I don’t think we’ve experimented or brought anyone in for any reason other than good form,” Worsfold said.
“What we’ve done each week is select players according to positions available in the side and who’s in form to be able to fill those positions.
“Certainly Neates’s form on the weekend made us sit up and have a look, and Jordan Jones as well. If their debut comes along they’d be really pleased.”
Bright midfield prospect Luke Shuey was among West Coast’s best players against Port Adelaide in round 20, standing out in the final term with 10 possessions and a goal.
Worsfold said the 20-year-old’s performance was just one of many positive signs for the club this season.
“We didn’t need that as an indication; we rate his potential very highly regardless of what he was going to do on the weekend,” Worsfold said.
“For everyone who just sees that on the weekend, that’s great; there’s some good signs for everyone to see.
“I believe there’s been a lot of positive signs all year, and they come in little hits.”
