West Coast defender Mitch Brown will be sidelined for at least eight weeks with a finger injury, but prized recruit Lewis Jetta is on track to play in round one.

Brown has undergone surgery after rupturing a tendon in the middle finger of his left hand during last week’s pre-season win over Gold Coast.

The setback will sideline Brown until at least round six.

It’s a cruel blow for Brown, who was playing just his second match since undergoing a knee reconstruction a year ago.

But the news is much better for Jetta, who tweaked his calf against the Suns.

Jetta was back jogging on Monday and the club is optimistic the former Swan will be fit to tackle Brisbane in the season opener on March 27.

Midfielder Chris Masten is progressing well from an ankle injury, but he won’t be available until round four.

The Eagles will be back in action on Sunday when they host Essendon in their final pre-season fixture at Domain Stadium.