West Coast are set to resist the temptation of selecting Daniel Kerr for Sunday’s AFL clash with Hawthorn at Patersons Stadium.
Kerr hasn’t played since undergoing knee surgery during the off-season, and is set to play for WAFL side East Fremantle in Saturday’s clash with Subiaco.
Eagles coach John Worsfold said Kerr would play around 70 or 80 minutes, and might need another game in the WAFL the following week.
“He’s ready to play now but we wouldn’t think he’d run out a full game,” Worsfold said.
“There’s the option of playing him as your sub player (against Hawthorn), but there’s always a risk you get an early injury and he has to then play out a full game.
“And that potentially puts him at risk.”
Mitch Brown is set to replace defender Eric Mackenzie (hamstring), while the Eagles need to find a replacement for injured forward Mark LeCras (arm).
Ruckman Nic Naitanui (groin) is still at least three weeks away from playing, while Sharrod Wellingham (ankle) and Matt Rosa (quad) are others still sidelined.