West Coast coach Andrew McQualter said Sunday's loss to Port Adelaide was disappointing after his team conceded 11 goals in the third quarter but cautioned that pre-season performances don't always translate to the regular season. 

Speaking post-match, McQualter highlighted the Eagles' ability to win the inside 50s (50-48) and time in forward half, but said the inability to handle Port's pressure was a lesson out of the game. 

"I've seen teams win a premiership and get smashed in their two pre-season games, and I've seen a team have a one-win season and win both their pre-season games, so certainly not going to ride the rollercoaster too much," McQualter said. 

"Their pressure around the ball was red hot, and we didn't handle that well enough."

McQualter said defenders Reuben Ginbey (toe) and Brandon Starcevich (calf) would be pushing for selection against Gold Coast on March 15, with Harry Edwards entering concussion protocols after a head knock but potentially available if he can clear the required hurdles. 

Co-captain Liam Duggan (concussion) and midfield veteran Tim Kelly (hamstring awareness) are also expected to be in round one contention.

Midfielder Elijah Hewett could also push his case after playing a WAFL practice match on Saturday alongside second-year defender/wingman Bo Allan and backman Brady Hough, who is returning from an ankle injury. 

"Elijah just hadn't really had any match sim minutes at all and he missed a chunk of training, so we just thought it would be appropriate for him to play in that game yesterday," McQualter said.  

"And Bo's in a great competition for spots. He's had a strong pre-season. He didn't play many games last year, so he's had a good block of continuity. 

"He played well yesterday at WAFL level, and he's put himself in contention for a spot early in the year. 

"We're going to have a few that are going to be really close, and we're going to have to make some decisions around how many of those guys that haven't had huge minutes come in and play round one."