Several important Eagles will be monitored during main training later this week before a decision is made on their availability for Sunday’s trip to face Greater Western Sydney.
Key defender Jeremy McGovern (knee) and emerging tall Oscar Allen (elbow) pulled up sore from West Coast’s third-straight victory – a five-goal triumph over the Crows – and were on light duties on Tuesday.
Allen ran laps and completed some brief ball-handling work with a significant brace on his right arm, while McGovern wasn’t sighted on the track at Mineral Resources Park.
Both players will be tested later this week, alongside veteran defender Shannon Hurn (calf) and exciting forward Liam Ryan (shin).
“Oscar looked a little bit like Robocop out there but it probably looks a lot worse than it is,” General Manager – Football Craig Vozzo told westcoasteagles.com.au.
“He had an elbow ligament problem as a result of a smother that he put on on the weekend, so our guys have adopted a conservative approach and are looking to give him maximum protection out there and allow the injury to heal.
“He’s tracking really well and I expect he’ll get through training and be available to play.
“’Gov’ didn’t train today. He pulled up sore with one of his knees … from a smother across his knee on the weekend.
“Light start to the week and see how he progresses through the week and hopefully he can get through main training.”
Ryan and Hurn have both received medical tick-off and will board the plane to Sydney if they get through training this week, with the latter set to surpass Dean Cox as West Coast’s games record holder in his 291st appearance.
Big man Nathan Vardy is also aiming to put his hand up for selection following a plantar fasciitis complaint.
“We have good news with both Liam and Shannon. If they get through a normal training week they’ve been ticked off by our medical and strength and conditioning staff to play this weekend, which is great news,” Vozzo said.
“We’re expecting them both to be available.
“’Vards’ is progressing well. He’s done some more on-track work this week and the pain has subsided significantly.
“Hopefully he can get through main training and put his hand up for selection this week.”
In welcome news, Mark Hutchings is off the injury list and set for WAFL minutes against East Perth following a hamstring niggle, while skipper Luke Shuey (hamstring) and Liam Duggan (knee) have been working hard in the gym.
“Luke’s progressing well. He’s done some really good volume on the track this week and out of the gym and cardio room, and so far so good,” Vozzo said.
“He’s tracking quite well. He’ll still be post-bye and we don’t have a set date for that at the moment but all things are going to plan in terms of his rehab.
“Liam is going well. We’re a couple of weeks post-surgery and we’re ticking all the boxes in terms of the swelling and the movement and he’s doing more and more in the gym,
“Hopefully we might get an on-ground session in the next week or so but he’s still on track for about a five-to-six-week build.”
Injury list:
Oscar Allen Elbow Test
Liam Duggan Knee 4 weeks
Shannon Hurn Calf Test
Jeremy McGovern Knee Test
Liam Ryan Shin Test
Luke Shuey Hamstring TBC
Nathan Vardy Foot Test
Daniel Venables Concussion TBC
Isiah Winder Knee 6 weeks
Elliot Yeo Groin TBC
