West Coast could be facing a forward-line crisis if Mark LeCras succumbs to a wrist injury.
LeCras injured his right wrist during last week’s 28-point AFL loss to Essendon.
Although the 31-year-old was able to play out the game with his wrist heavily strapped, it’s been reported he suffered a dislocation and may require surgery.
West Coast’s forward line is already ravaged by injuries.
Jack Darling (fractured ankle) is still at least three weeks away from playing, while fellow spearhead Josh Kennedy (hairline fracture in right leg) is no certainty to return against Adelaide on Saturday.
Last week, West Coast won the inside-50m count 59-45 against Essendon, but managed just six goals for the match.
It was a similar case the previous week against Sydney, when West Coast won the inside-50m count 63-52, but only managed seven goals.
Forwards Jake Waterman, Liam Ryan, and Willie Rioli have combined for just three goals over the past two weeks.
Last week’s inclusion Fraser McInnes went goalless against Essendon, while Jarrod Brander went goalless from five disposals in his sole outing against Sydney.
Ruckman Nic Naitanui admits the absence of Kennedy and Darling has left a major void in the forward line.
“They’re vital to our team,” Naitanui said.
“The experience is the biggest part that we lose.
“We’ve got a pretty young forward line. Amongst them, they’ve only played a handful of game.
“Missing guys like that, it does hurt the team. But we’ll have to find a way to get around that.”
West Coast have slipped to third spot following two straight losses.
A defeat to the Crows at Adelaide Oval on Saturday would put a major dent in West Coast’s top-four hopes.
Star defender Jeremy McGovern was sent forward during the last quarter against Essendon.
If fellow defender Tom Barrass is able to return from a back injury this week, McGovern could play in attack for the whole game against the Crows.
Adelaide (6-7) could be bolstered by the return of Tom Lynch (side strain), midfielder Rory Sloane (foot), All-Australian defender Rory Laird (hand), and Luke Brown (ankle).
