At least four players are expected to return to West Coast's lineup for their Round 2 bout with North Melbourne, while key forward Jack Darling is also among those in consideration for Adam Simpson's selection planning.
The Eagles' list has been heavily hampered by injuries and COVID-related setbacks in recent weeks, with the club having to rely on top-up player Declan Mountford to fill their extended bench for their season opener against the Suns.
Gold Coast notched up a 27-point victory in their trip to Optus Stadium, with Simpson's list woes on display as the Eagles failed to keep the young Suns at bay.
A second loss this week would see the Eagles start 0-2 for the first time in Simpson's tenure as West Coast's senior coach, however a wave of returning names are sure to buoy their prospects of levelling their record to start the 2022 season.
Duo Tim Kelly and Liam Ryan are set to return to training this week after having to undergo the AFL's health and safety protocols, which forced the pair to miss Round 1.
Defender Alex Witherden will also be available for selection after being suspended for one match following a Rough Conduct charge on Fremantle's Andrew Brayshaw in the AAMI Community Series.
Captain Luke Shuey will also be in line to be named for next Sunday's affair, looking likely to overcome a hamstring injury that riddled his pre-season.
Midfielder
Disposals
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The returning quartet are set to aid the Eagles' chances against fellow winless side North Melbourne this week, but it will be Darling's inclusion that is sure to engage the interest of many.
Following a lengthy saga that placed the premiership forward's future in doubt due to vaccine hesitancy, Darling has returned to his duties at Lathlain Park in recent weeks.
A foot injury has halted his return to playing however, with the initial signs suggesting Darling would miss close to the opening month of the season.
Speaking after his side's loss on the weekend, Simpson revealed Darling could be deemed fit as he races the clock for a return.
"Heโs super fit and he only missed a few sessions with [his foot injury], so itโs how he feels," Simpson said of Darling.
"We had a bit of a match sim with the WAFL Eagles on the weekend and he kicked about 10 goals, so he looked OK. But it was three 12-minute [periods].
"Weโll see how he pulls up, but we wonโt rush him. If heโs right, he's right. If heโs not, he won't play."
The Eagles' selection planning could be met with a major blow after forward Willi Rioli landed a late, high bump on Gold Coast's Matt Rowell.
The Match Review Officer is sure to have the incident listed as the AFL release their findings from Sunday's games early this week.
WATCH: Rioli in hot water for late hit
Should Rioli be suspended for the bump, he would join a plethora of Eagles players currently sidelined throughout the opening half of the season.
West Coast will venture to Marvel Stadium for next week's match with North Melbourne before returning home for the Western Derby on the following Sunday.
