Key defender Tom Barrass is a chance to return from concussion protocols and a hamstring tendinopathy issue against North Melbourne in Hobart on Saturday.
Barrass missed the victory over Gold Coast last Friday night following delayed concussion symptoms from the RAC Derby.
The 28-year-old’s return would be timely with emerging backman Harry Edwards entering the concussion protocols during the Suns clash.
“Unfortunately for Harry Edwards he copped a head knock on the weekend so he’s now in concussion protocols so won’t play this week,” High Performance Manager Mat Inness told westcoasteagles.com.au.
“Tom missed last week with concussion. He’s progressing through the concussion protocols.
“He’s had some hamstring tendinopathy for a few weeks, so we’re managing the hamstring and the head, so he’s a test for both of those.”
Versatile backman Josh Rotham is unavailable for selection due to an abdominal concern which forced him out of the side.
“Roth, late last week, had some ab awareness. He’s got a strain there on his oblique, so he won’t play this week and probably won’t play the week after either,” Inness said.
Meanwhile, Dom Sheed’s season is unfortunately over after he suffered a hamstring issue at training last week.
The Eagles are also seeking surgical opinion on a foot issue which is related to the injury that restricted Sheed during pre-season, albeit in a separate area.
“Dom unfortunately hurt his hamstring late last week. With that, he’s been carrying some foot soreness for a little while,” Inness said.
“We’re going to get a surgical opinion on that and he’s likely to undergo surgery and won’t play again this year.”
West Coast is continuing to cautiously manage young wingman Luke Edwards who entered the concussion protocols after the RAC Derby.
“Luke is still getting assessed for his concussion. As he’s had three this year we’re going to be really cautious with that,” Inness said.
“He won’t play this week and we’ll put a bit more process around when he does return to play.”