West Coast will be without promising defender Harry Edwards for the Eagles' next game at least, while veteran midfielder Dom Sheed has suffered a setback and could see his 2024 brought to an abrupt end.
Edwards suffered a concussion in the opening term of Friday's win over Gold Coast in a contest with opponent Ben King, with the Eagles backman undergoing a HIA before being subbed out in the second quarter.
The failed test will mean Edwards is unavailable for the next 12 days under the AFL's mandated protocols, forcing Edwards to miss the club's upcoming trip to Tasmania to face North Melbourne.
Edwards' absence comes at a time when the key backman was reaching some of the best form of his 37-game career, showing plenty of promise in recent bouts against Fremantle and St Kilda.
The expected return of premiership defender Tom Barrass will alleviate Edwards' spell on the sidelines, with the West Coast tall in line to exit his own period in concussion protocols in time for Round 22.
Interim coach Jarrad Schofield's rearguard was supported by the return of veteran Jeremy McGovern for the clash against the Suns, with the four-time All-Australian one of the Eagles' best in their fourth win of 2024.
West Coast could also have Luke Edwards (concussion) back for their clash with the Kangaroos, while forward duo Jack Petruccelle and Jack Hutchinson will be available after serving one-game suspensions.
A return to the senior side for Sheed before the season's ends could be in doubt, with the veteran onballer suffering a hamstring concern at training this week.
Sheed has more recently played at WAFL level due to injury and form issues, with a fresh setback at training potentially ending his season.
"Dom unfortunately hurt his hamstring, one of the last reps in training," Schofield confirmed on Friday night.
"Medical staff will look at that and see what the prognosis is there and how many weeks (he'll miss)."
Fellow midfielder Andrew Gaff has been managed this week and won't play in the WAFL, with the Eagles hoping to have the 32-year-old fresh for the final few weeks of the season.
West Coast face North Melbourne, Carlton and Geelong in their final three matches for the year, with their clash with the Blues the club's final home game of 2024.
