Prized West Coast recruit Lewis Jetta faces a nervous wait as coach Adam Simpson contemplates wielding the axe in the wake of his AFL team’s latest flop on the road.

Jetta has barely fired a shot since crossing from Sydney to the Eagles at the end of last year, averaging just 12 possessions a game to go with his four goals.

In last week’s 44-point loss to Geelong at Simonds Stadium, Jetta tallied just nine disposals and a junk-time goal.

Simpson has continually urged fans to be patient with Jetta as the 27-year-old adapts to a new team and game style.

But Jetta’s spot in the team could be nearing an end, with the speedster facing the chop ahead of Sunday’s clash with St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.

“I think he’s been disappointing the last couple of weeks and he’s the first to admit that,” Simpson told Perth radio station 6PR.

“He understands what he needs to work on.

“We’ll always have patience with our players.

“Whether it means every week they get a free pass to play, that’s a little bit different.”

West Coast’s inability to win away from home this season has left many experts questioning their premiership credentials.

The Eagles will start as hot favourites at home to the Saints, who sit in 13th spot with a 2-5 record.

But Simpson is well aware of the dangers St Kilda pose after they came close to toppling flag fancies Hawthorn and North Melbourne this season.

Nick Riewoldt has played a key role in St Kilda’s competitiveness this year, with the 33-year-old averaging 20 disposals and 11 marks a game to go with his 18 goals.

“He looks as fresh as a daisy. It’s a bit of a concern,” Simpson said.

“The Saints are sharp with their ball movement. They’re brave.

“They’re in really good form. They’ve only had two wins, but they could have easily have won four.

“We’ve got our work cut out for us.”