Promising midfield duo Connor West and Luke Edwards are set to put their hands up to return for Saturday’s clash against Port Adelaide, while wingman Andrew Gaff is close to making his comeback from an ankle complaint.
West (hip) and Edwards (groin) were forced out of the side which lost to Sydney six days after the thrilling road win over Collingwood, but have both made encouraging strides since and are in the frame to face the Power.
“Connor pulled up a little bit tight after the Collingwood game. We didn’t want to take any risks last weekend but he’s on track to push for availability this week, he’s just got to get through training,” Head of Health Mark Finucane told westcoasteagles.com.au.
“Young Luke, we gave him a quiet week to let the groin settle, which it has bounced back really well. Similar (to West), he has to get through training this week and will be available.”
Gaff is a week further back and is looking to be available against Richmond in the Eagles’ next home game on Friday week.
“He’s building nicely through his running and we’re hoping to see him next week,” Finucane said.
Rookie onballer Zane Trew is also nearing his return from shin soreness and is aiming to play for the WAFL Eagles next round.
Tall forward Oscar Allen (foot) and onballer Dom Sheed (ankle) are among the others working their way back to playing again.
Sheed resumed running on-ground last week following injury in the practice match against Fremantle and Allen is being treated cautiously before he returns to the action.
“Oscar we’re taking a conservative approach with. Really important young player for us. Still just working through what his build is to return to play,” Finucane said.
Meanwhile, SSP recruit Tom Joyce’s ankle continues to concern him and the ex-Lion is being reassessed this week.
“Tom is not progressing as nicely as we would’ve liked so he’s having some further investigations on his ankle and we’ll get further information as the week progresses,” Finucane said.
Injury list:
Oscar Allen Foot TBC
Campbell Chesser Ankle Inactive
Tom Cole Ankle Inactive
Luke Edwards Groin Available
Andrew Gaff Ankle 1 week
Tom Joyce Ankle TBC
Nic Naitanui Knee TBC
Dom Sheed Ankle 3-4 weeks
Zane Trew Shin 1 week
Connor West Hip Test
