Injured West Coast midfielder Scott Selwood will make a brave attempt to play again this AFL season as the Eagles eye off a dream finals berth.

West Coast sit just one win adrift of seventh spot following Sunday’s 60-point trouncing of Collingwood at Patersons Stadium.

Victory over Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Saturday would put the Eagles in the box seat to secure a finals berth – an accomplishment that seemed near impossible a fortnight ago when West Coast slipped to a 7-10 record.

Selwood was initially expected to miss the rest of the season after undergoing ankle surgery in June.

But with West Coast’s top-eight hopes alive and kicking, Selwood is in the frame to make a surprise return in time for the finals.

“Selwood is pushing hard, really hard to play,” Eagles coach Adam Simpson said.

“He is running really well, but he won’t be playing this week.”

A Selwood return at the tail-end of the season would be a big boost to West Coast, whose lengthy injury list includes Sharrod Wellingham, Brad Sheppard, Beau Waters, Elliot Yeo, Xavier Ellis, Matt Rosa and the retired Darren Glass.

Star forward Mark LeCras, who was a late withdrawal against Collingwood due to a calf injury, faces a race against time to be fit for the Bombers.

Former Hawk Ellis is set to miss at least two matches after injuring the AC joint in his right shoulder against Collingwood.

Confidence among the Eagles’ camp is sky high following impressive wins over Adelaide and Collingwood.

In contrast, Essendon will enter Saturday’s match on the back of two losses.

Bombers players will also have to deal with the distraction of the club’s Federal Court case against ASADA over Essendon’s supplements scandal.

But the Bombers could be bolstered by the return of skipper Jobe Watson (hip) and Michael Hibberd (hamstring).