West Coast coach Adam Simpson has hinted at more than one debutant in round one, and has lauded the spirit and optimism within the playing group despite the Eagles' availability challenges.

Six days out from the season-opener at Optus Stadium against Gold Coast the Eagles are down to “25 or 26” fit players.

But the silver lining is the excitement around first-gamers running out in blue and gold on Sunday.

“The boys are in good spirits, there’s a great sense of belonging and spirit amongst the group, and opportunity,” Simpson said.

“Whilst we’ve been struck down by injury there’s no doubt, there’s still optimism, there’s still hope, there’s good spirit at the club.

“It’s important we stay resilient.”

A host of Eagles are on the comeback trail and won’t be far away from resuming, with all eyes on skipper Luke Shuey as he pushes to play after a hamstring strain.

“He trained on Friday, did full training – it was his first full training session,” Simpson said.

“We need to get through this week and we’ll assess it on Thursday, we play on Sunday, so we’ll see how he looks this week.

“The one thing we don’t want to do is just rush him back in because we desperately need him, it’s more the fact when he’s right.”

Key forward Jack Darling won’t play after returning to the club on Friday but should not be far away from putting his hand up once he has built match conditioning.

“He’s always fit.  He was extremely fit when he left. He’s got a couple of little niggles but it’ll but now how long it takes to get match conditioned,” Simpson said.

“There’s only so much you can do on your own.

“He has got a little niggle in his foot but I don’t know if that’s going to be the thing that holds him back.

“It will just be how long it takes to get back to match fitness, so we’ll find out in the next couple of weeks.”

Simpson was “pleasantly surprised” to see Darling return to Mineral Resources Park for the first time since January and said it would quickly be business as usual.

“I’ve separated the team and the football department from that process – we had to get on with what was in front of us – so really, really happy for him and for the players and for the footy club,” Simpson said.

“He came in on Friday, met the players, and he’s been in contact with the players as well.

“We’ll get on with it really quick. It’ll be like nothing’s happened the next couple of days.”

While there has been plenty happening around the club, Willie Rioli’s comeback for his first game since the 2019 elimination final looms as a major positive this Sunday.

“Absolutely. It’s been a long journey for Willie. Another unique circumstance really going through all that, but he’s ready to go,” Simpson said.

“He played in the intraclub on Friday, he obviously played last week, so if he’s available he’ll definitely play on Sunday.

“That’s great for us.”