West Coast defender Rhett Bazzo will enter 2025 on a modified training program following surgery on a fractured bone in his right foot.
Bazzo required the operation before Christmas after injuring his foot during his off-season training program and is now in a moon boot for the near future.
"Really unfortunate for Rhett to have sustained the foot injury from a relatively innocuous incident while completing some training in the early stages of the players' Christmas break," GM of Football Gavin Bell said.
"It is difficult to provide an exact timeframe for his return at this stage, but club medical staff will monitor Rhett's progress and advance his training program as he hits certain markers.
"Our goal is for Rhett to be available for the start of the season."
The 21-year-old has featured 21 times for the Eagles since being taken with Pick 37 in the 2021 AFL Draft.
Bazzo will be eyeing a permanent position in West Coast's defensive six following the departure of Tom Barrass, who joined Hawthorn during the trade period.
The young defender missed the bulk of 2024, playing only one senior game amid persistent groin trouble and form woes.