West Coast Eagles coach Adam Simpson has conceded his "hands are tied" in regards to the situation surrounding unvaccinated forward Jack Darling.
Darling is currently unable to train or play with the Eagles after missing the AFL's mandated vaccine deadline on Friday, January 21, with the premiership star having opted not to receive his first jab for COVID-19.
The veteran spearhead's medical preference has left the club in ongoing talks with Darling in the hope he may be swayed in a different direction, with the 29-year-old an integral part of Simpson's structure for the year ahead.
The Eagles coach has looked to remain in contact with Darling throughout the process, however admits there is little he can do.
"As a coach, we're a player down and he's a pretty important player, so I hope it gets worked out," Simpson told media on Tuesday.
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"I've texted him a couple of times, but there's not much we can do at the moment.
"It's probably between Jack and the club to work through and the mandates in place. It's out of my hands personally."
The Eagles and Darling seemed out of sync following the news of his decision to remain unvaccinated, with the two parties releasing contradicting statements after the public were made aware of his situation.
West Coast have stated they will continue to hold critical discussions with Darling ahead of the 2022 season, with Simpson still holding the key forward in his plans for the year ahead.
"My plan is to get him back," Simpson said.
"There's not much we can do. It's between Jack and the club and what they need to work through it. My hands are tied a little bit.
"We still care about Jack, none of that's changed."
Should Darling opt to continue in his reluctance to receive the vaccine, he will join retired Blues defender Liam Jones and Lions midfielder Cam Ellis-Yolmen in being removed from his duties in the AFL.
West Coast's 2022 season will commence next month when they host Gold Coast at Optus Stadium on Sunday, March 20.
