West Coast coach Adam Simpson says the Eagles still have questions to answer about their likely round one team, with an intraclub match next Friday to help determine who fills the second ruck spot.

Second-year tall Bailey Williams missed Saturday's clash with hamstring tightness but will have the opportunity to press his claims as Nic Naitanui's support.

Simpson said Jack Darling (cheekbone) would be available for round one, while there were other positions the match committee was yet to settle on.

Jarrod Brander had taken a step forward this pre-season, Simpson said, finishing with 17 possessions and five marks in an improved performance after moving from a key forward role to a wing.

 "I thought he had some really good and some moments that weren’t so good," the coach said.

 "That’s a work in progress, he’s played three games of AFL footy.

 "We really like some of the things he does so we’ll have to see how we go with selection in 10 days’ time, have a look who’s around and who’s back, review his game.

 "But it’s been a step forward, pre-season has been a good one for him."