Stand-in West Coast captain Jeremy McGovern is excited to see the next generation of midfielders coming through and hopes they can seize their opportunities in coming weeks.

The Eagles have lost skipper Luke Shuey (hamstrings), Elliot Yeo (groin), Jack Redden (thumb) and Mark Hutchings (hamstring), opening up spots in what has long been a settled and strong area of Adam Simpson’s side.

The likes of Liam Duggan, who was drafted as a midfielder, half-forward Jake Waterman, four-gamer Xavier O’Neill, Jarrod Brander and Brayden Ainsworth have all had opportunities through the engine room this year.

“Obviously we’ve been hit in that area the last couple of weeks. It’s not ideal, but that’s why we’ve got a squad and we’ve got a good squad,” McGovern said.

“Personally, it’s exciting because boys will get opportunities who deserve opportunities. As much as I would love to have those blokes out there, they’re quality players, I think we’ve got some younger boys and other people to fill those roles.

“We’re not too individual-focused, we’re more of a team and a system.”

Rugged onballer Hamish Brayshaw, 22, is another in the mix to help fill the void, and could follow in O’Neill, Bailey Williams, Nic Reid, Jamaine Jones and Harry Edwards’ footsteps if he debuts this year.

“He’s a great kid, brings a lot of energy to the boys. He’s actually pretty funny. He’s got a few gags, but he’s worked pretty hard,” McGovern said.

“Playing in the WAFL, he’s pretty contested, clean and he’s a bigger body as well.

“Hopefully he gets an opportunity, that’s up to match committee, but he’d be one who would be putting his hand up for it.”

McGovern revealed his scans on a dislocated thumb came back positive and the four-time All Australian will take his place against the Saints in a must-win clash for both sides.

“It’s a little bit sore, but I didn’t re-aggravate the last injury I had, which was good, that was probably the main issue,” McGovern said.

“Just your stock standard pop your thumb out sort of stuff. Initially I was worried about a break before, but all good.

“I can perform with it, that’s why I’m going out and playing. It does hurt here and there, but most players have got a few little niggles, especially with these short turnarounds and breaks.”

The Eagles were forced to move on quickly from a tough two-point loss to the Western Bulldogs with only four days break before facing St Kilda at the Gabba on Thursday night.

Reviewing the defeat on Monday, the senior coach highlighted the lack of supply to a hungry forward line as a primary focus after West Coast delivered the ball inside 50 on just 27 occasssions to the Dogs’ 45.  

“It does make it hard without being able to train, that’s not an excuse for us, but reviewing the game that’s what we looked at a bit more, getting into our forwards as much as possible,” McGovern said.

“Through clearances and stoppages would be great, but also from the back half as well we need to look at our ball movement a bit more.”