Champion forward Josh Kennedy has received positive news on his injured ankle, but a decision looms on midfield bull Elliot Yeo’s finals availability as he continues to battle groin soreness.
Kennedy tweaked his ankle after landing awkwardly following a marking contest in the second quarter of Thursday night’s victory over North Melbourne.
The 33-year-old was put on ice for the second half and has avoided major damage ahead of West Coast’s first final in under a fortnight.
“What I’ve been told it’s a medial side and he should be right to go,” coach Adam Simpson told 3AW on Sunday.
“He’s pulled up pretty well and no significant damage, so that’s as much as I know.”
The Eagles will be bolstered for the post-season by the return of Luke Shuey (hamstrings), Jack Redden (thumb) and Jamie Cripps after he missed the final four games for the birth of his son, Reif.
Lewis Jetta (calf) and Mark Hutchings (hamstring) should also be available, while four-time All Australian defender Jeremy McGovern (hamstring) will aim to put his hand up.
The biggest concern is over Yeo’s troublesome groin, which will keep him out of the first final at least.
The two-time John Worsfold medallist has been out of action for the past seven games and won’t have played for nearly two months by the time West Coast kicks off its finals campaign.
“We’ve probably got to sit down and assess where he’s at because he hasn’t really ran now in four or five weeks,” Simpson said.
“It’s going to be quite difficult to make an assault if we progressed any further in finals.
“Outside of Yeoy … there’s a few there we’ve been without and we’ve found a way to scrape a few wins, which has been great, but I think we’re a better side with those guys in it.”
Despite the Eagles appearing likely to finish fifth and miss out on the finals double-chance for the second year in a row – unless Sydney upsets Geelong on Sunday – Simpson is keeping faith that anything can happen in finals in this unprecedented season.
“It’s blind faith. I’m never the right person to ask because I think we can win every week. I don’t care who we play, where we play or what kind of style, and our boys have been pretty consistent,” Simpson said.
“I think this is our sixth year in a row of playing finals and the maturity of the group probably gives us confidence that we can win from anywhere against anyone.
“Easier said than done, but the belief is definitely within our club and our group, so that’s not an issue.
“Getting our personnel back and playing the right style of footy to win in finals, that’s the next step.
“Belief is not an issue, at all.”
