West Coast will be without their two best forwards against Essendon on Thursday night after Josh Kennedy joined Jack Darling on the club’s injury list.
Kennedy suffered a hairline fracture to his right leg in last week’s loss to Sydney, and hasn’t been able to recover in time to face the Bombers.
Coach Adam Simpson is confident the injury isn’t serious, predicting Kennedy will only miss between one to three weeks.
But Kennedy’s absence against the Bombers at Optus Stadium will leave a major void, especially with Darling (ankle) still sidelined.
Kennedy (29 goals) and Darling (28) have kicked the bulk of West Coast’s goals this season.
Simpson decided against recalling former Cat Nathan Vardy to replace Kennedy, and he dropped last week’s debutant Jarrod Brander.
Midfielder Dom Sheed was also axed.
Fraser McInnes will replace Kennedy in attack, while midfielder Mark Hutchings and defender Will Schofield also earned recalls.
Essendon go in with an unchanged side, with Dyson Heppell cleared to play after overcoming his recent concussion.
Simpson said he will consider swinging Jeremy McGovern forward, or giving ruck duo Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett more time in attack in order to help fill the void left by Kennedy.
“We’ve got to get on with life without JK or Jack Darling,” Simpson said.
“We’ll get a glimpse of the future this weekend.
“Someone mentioned it was 2011 when we didn’t have at least one of them (playing).
“It’s going to be a challenge for us.
“Replacing Kennedy and Darling is difficult, but we’ve got to find a way.”
Simpson doesn’t want Eagles fans to worry too much about Kennedy’s injury.
“I think it was just a collision injury. No twists or turning,” Simpson said.
“It was a massive corky really, and there just happens to be a tiny hairline fracture in the bone in the side of the leg.
“He might be right for next week; it’s that small.”
West Coast’s 10-game winning streak was brought to a halt by Sydney last week, but they will start as hot favourites against the Bombers (5-7).
Essendon have lost their past seven matches in Perth.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
West Coast's tribunal appeal for Tom Barrass' dangerous tackle failed, with the club arguing similar "exceptional and compelling circumstances" that got Brisbane's Charlie Cameron…
We’re taking a look at one player from each team that needs to make a difference this week, starting with the ANZAC Day games.
West Coast defender Tom Barrass will miss the Eagles' clash with Gold Coast, after the AFL Tribunal upheld his one-match suspension for a dangerous…
It is time that the tribunal became more simplistic, closed defence loopholes, and became representative of the game that it is trying to serve.
Geelong coach Chris Scott has hit out at the AFL Tribunal's decision to clear Charlie Cameron for his dangerous tackle on Jake Lever, saying…
Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
