Daniel Kerr has been battered from pillar to post this AFL season, but help might be on the way for the star West Coast midfielder.
Kerr has copped several heavy knocks in the opening three rounds – some off the ball – in a slow start to the season for the 28-year-old.
Although Kerr managed to rack up 26 possessions and a goal against Melbourne in round two, he tallied just seven disposals in round one and 13 touches in last week’s big win over Greater Western Sydney.
Kerr still regularly attracts the opposition’s best tagger, and teammate Chris Masten said it was up to the Eagles’ midfield brigade to provide the 189-game veteran with more protection.
“Right now, he’s copping it a little bit, getting smashed off the ball,” Masten said.
“A lot of the boys do see him get smashed and we’ve got to definitely look after him better.
“He definitely doesn’t say anything. He just cops it on the chin and keeps doing his job, and that’s why he’s so impressive.”
Masten said the attention Kerr received was allowing the likes of himself, Scott Selwood and Luke Shuey to enjoy greater freedom.
“He’s so clean around those stoppages and so damaging,” Masten said.
“He’s doing his role and he’s doing it bloody well.”
Masten, who was chosen with pick No.3 in the 2007 national draft, has so far failed to live up to his high draft billing.
But 2012 is shaping as a breakout year for the 22-year-old, with Masten averaging 27 possessions a game to go with his four goals this season.
Not that he’s taking anything for granted.
“I’m not sure if I’ll ever feel safe in the side,” Masten said.
“There’s so much competition – our side’s so deep at the minute. You’ve really got to be on top of your game at training and in games every week, otherwise your spot’s under scrutiny.”
The Eagles are confident skipper Darren Glass (groin) will return for Saturday night’s clash with Hawthorn in Perth, but Matt Rosa and Matt Priddis remain in doubt with quad injuries.
Kerr, who copped a heavy cork to his leg against GWS, is expected to play.