West Coast coach Andrew McQualter said that he had no idea that co-captain Oscar Allen planned to meet up with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell.
Allen's secret meeting with Mitchell came to light as he ponders his future beyond 2025, with interest coming from Brisbane and Collingwood as well.
The free agent fronted the media on Thursday to express his "remorse".
However, when probed about the situation in the lead-up to the Round 4 clash against GWS on Sunday, McQualter played a straight bat, saying he'd support Allen.
"He shouldn't feel ashamed," McQualter said.
"I wasn't aware of (the meeting).
"It is what it is. It's the landscape of the industry.
"Understanding, the situation isn't ideal for everyone. It's certainly not shame he should be feeling. But I want to support him in that space."
Quick to divert elsewhere, McQualter was excited to speak about the three debutants that will don the Eagles guernsey for the first time in their careers.
Tom Gross and Hamish Davis are the first of last year's impressive draft crop to earn their wings, while SSP selection and former Sun Sandy Brock will also feature against the Giants.
"Really exciting time for our footy club," McQualter said.
"We've got Sandy Brock, delisted from the Gold Coast and we got him right before the season started, and ever since Sandy got here, he's been incredible. He's played really well in the WAFL program.
"Tom Gross, tough little kid from Melbourne. He's just put his head down and bum up and got to work.
"He's really deserved his opportunity. Every WAFL game and practice match he's played in, he's really taken it up to our midfielders and WAFL midfielders. Really exciting for him.
"And Hamish Davis, a great opportunity. Was one of our later picks, but since he walked in, he stated publicly he wants to be one of the hardest working players, and we've seen that day in, day out."
Veterans Jeremy McGovern (adductor) and Liam Ryan (illness) will miss the trip to ENGIE Stadium, while Elijah Hewett's calf issue forced him from the senior side.
