After a disastrous pre-season loss, help could be on the way for West Coast with several key Eagles in the race to be fit for their round one Gold Coast clash.
The Eagles lost to Port Adelaide by 73 points on Sunday, but coach Andrew McQualter was keen to downplay the defeat, saying “we think we’ll have some more availability round one.”
While there are holes across the board, the most glaring was in defence with Power forward Mitch Georgiades kicking six goals, with Harry Edwards suffering a concussion.
As a match-up with Suns star Ben King looms, who kicked six of his own in last year’s meeting against the Eagles, high-performance manager Phil Merrimen said a return to play date for Edwards has not yet been confirmed.
However, there was more positive news with co-captain Liam Duggan and Brandon Starcevich, both progressing through their rehab, though they admitted they will be cautious over the latter’s return.
“Pleasingly, Liam has progressed through the concussion protocols and will return to main training this week,” Merriman said.
“Brandon is progressing as expected through his build,” Merriman said.
“He’s a chance for round one, but given his history, we’re making sure we cover every angle to set him up for an uninterrupted year.”
Rising star Reuben Ginbey could also be available for round one, having missed the pre-season clash with a toe injury.
“Reuben will begin his reload this week, and we’re hopeful he’ll rejoin main training with the plan for him to be available for round one,” Merriman said.
Up the ground, Tim Kelly and Jack Graham are also in the running, having battled hamstring complaints.
“We’ll work Tim through the gears this week and build him back into the main group next week, aiming for him to be available for round one,” he said.
“We’ll see Jack training with the group this week, and he’s aiming to be available to play in round one.”
Ruckman Bailey Williams is set to resume full training for the first time this year, having battled a groin concern over the summer, while Tom Gross and Jack Hutchinson will increase their loads but will all miss round one.
“We are really excited to see Bailey returning fully to the training track this week. He will spend the next few weeks building his football load,” Merriman said.
