A selection squeeze looms as a welcome headache for West Coast coach Adam Simpson after the bye, with a host of key Eagles set to return from injury against the Western Bulldogs.

While most of the players are taking a well-earned break following a heart-stopping win over reigning premier Richmond, several winged stars are ramping up after lay-offs.

Skipper Luke Shuey will be the headline act when the WAFL Eagles face powerhouse Subiaco on Saturday at Leederville Oval in his first appearance since suffering a repeat hamstring setback in round three against Port Adelaide 11 weeks ago.

Meanwhile, vice-captain Jeremy McGovern (knee), Tim Kelly (knee), Brad Sheppard (concussion), Alex Witherden (groin), Brendon Ah Chee (calf) and Jack Petruccelle (hamstring) are also working their way back.

McGovern and Witherden have been out of action since round nine, while Kelly was hurt during the round 11 loss to Essendon. 

“We hopefully get McGovern, Shuey, Kelly, Sheppard, Witherden will be available (against the Bulldogs); we get a few players back after the bye,” Simpson told Channel Seven.

03:06

Our youngsters stood up: Simpson

Senior coach Adam Simpson joins Bazil Zempilas for Channel 7's Monday night news cross

“There will be a few guys playing in the WAFL game against Subi and we’ll see how we go.”

Opportunities presented to youngsters has been a silver lining of a lengthy injury list in the first half of the season, and the likes of Harry Edwards (six games), Luke Foley (four) and Luke Edwards (two) stood up under fierce scrutiny from the Tigers.

“For Luke (Edwards) to do what he did in the last quarter, I think he had 11 possessions and really helped us win the game, and Harry started so well as well,” Simpson said.

“So good signs for our future but really our leaders – (Elliot) Yeo in the last quarter, Nic (Naitanui), ‘JK’ (Josh Kennedy), Shannon Hurn, Tom Barrass … the guys who have been around for a while, they’re the ones who really stood up for us as well.”

14:45

Mini Match: Eagles v Tigers

Check out the extended highlights of the round 13 clash between the Eagles and Tigers

While the Eagles return to training at Mineral Resources Park on Thursday, they will be joined next week by Willie Rioli upon his reintroduction the club.

The 26-year-old last trained with the group in early 2020.

“The first part will be just get him familiar with the boys again,” Simpson said.

“There’s probably 15 or 16 players he’s never met. It’s been a while since he’s been in the four walls.

“He’ll start training with the guys if he can, we’ll get tick-off through his medical, and we’ll go from there.”