Key defender Tom Barrass only needs to get through training this week to put his hand up for the trip to face Brisbane at the Gabba.
Barrass was a late withdrawal from the loss to Richmond last Friday night with a hamstring complaint but was on the training track on Monday and appears set to board the plane to Queensland.
“Tom had some awareness and just wasn’t confident going into the game. We think it was more of a knock but just not having confidence in the leg we didn’t want to take the risk on Friday,” Head of Health Mark Finucane told westcoasteagles.com.au.
“He is on track, he’s just got to get through this week and he’ll play against Brisbane.”
Unfortunately, former Lion Elliot Yeo won’t face his former side as he continues to work through a return from concussion protocols.
Several other Eagles teammates - Willie Rioli (hamstring), Xavier O’Neill (knee), Zac Langdon (ankle) and Luke Edwards (groin) – are also facing time on the sidelines following recent setbacks.
The club is still working through return to play timeframes for the quartet.
“Willie sustained the hamstring strain in the second quarter of the game and was subbed out of the game at half-time, so he’ll just be rehabilitated through his program,” Finucane said.
“Xavier O’Neill had a minor incident early in the game, but got his leg tangled up in a tackle late in the fourth quarter. He’s had some scans but we’re going to get some further specialist opinion on how to manage this particular injury.
“Zac rolled his ankle in the WAFL game on Saturday and is also getting some further specialist opinion on how to best manage this injury.
“Luke developed a bit of groin soreness after training on Tuesday. He’s had some scans and needs a period of de-load to let the symptoms settle and we’ll look at what his rebuild looks like from there.”
In other news, emerging ruckman Bailey Williams (hamstring) will miss another match but is aiming to put his hand up to face Melbourne in round nine.
Meanwhile, first-year defender Brady Hough could be available this week after experiencing back spasms after training last week.
Star big man Nic Naitanui is progressing well from his knee issue and hopes to be back running next week.
“Nic has progressed really well with his knee. He’s doing his preparation to running this week, so some stairs, bike and work in the gym,” Finucane said.
“On track to hopefully do some straight-line running next week as part of his build towards playing again.”
There was a pleasing sight of draftee Campbell Chesser (ankle) out of the moon boot at training on Monday, and the Victorian youngster is embarking on his rebuild to prepare for next season.
“Campbell has had a couple of weeks back home while he was in a boot and just in the early stages after his ankle surgery,” Finucane said.
“He’s out of the boot now and he’ll work through getting his range and getting his calf built up again, which wastes away after time in the boot.
“Then we’ll look at the preparation for running later in the season.”
Injury list:
Oscar Allen Foot TBC
Tom Barrass Hamstring Test
Campbell Chesser Ankle Inactive
Tom Cole Ankle Inactive
Brady Hough Back Test
Tom Joyce Ankle TBC
Zac Langdon TBC
Xavier O’Neill Knee TBC
Nic Naitanui Knee TBC
Willie Rioli Hamstring TBC
Dom Sheed Ankle 3-4 weeks
Bailey Williams Hamstring 1 week
Elliot Yeo Concussion TBC
