West Coast coach Andrew McQualter says the club won't rush back veteran midfielder Tim Kelly despite the need to beef up its on-ball brigade.
Following an AFL record-low 77 contested possessions against Carlton, largely due to the absence of the club's experienced midfielders, McQualter is still looking for improvement in Kelly's game.
"We haven't (made a decision) yet," McQualter said.
"We've got main training (on Wednesday). We've worked really closely with Tim and been really clear on what parts of his game we need him to improve in.
"He really took (the axing) on the chin. Trained well in the WAFL program last week and went about it the right way.
"He's really important to us. And we need to get him playing back up to his level."
Kelly's performance in the WAFL didn't necessarily light the world on fire, but McQualter says the coaching staff look at the intangibles and behaviours, not just the stats.
The former Cat recorded 20 disposals, 10 inside 50s, five tackles and a goal.
"We don't really judge our players on kicks, marks and handballs," the Eagles coach said.
"It's just a really simple way of viewing the game. I think there's more to it than we look for in the behaviours and actions, and the outcome will be the outcome.
"We look at it different to some others."
Veteran defender Jeremy McGovern is expected to return after overcoming a minor adductor injury he sustained in Round 3.
McGovern will just need to get through training to put his hand up for selection.
The same goes for young midfielder Elijah Hewett, who is returning from a calf strain.
Prized draft pick Bo Allan is starting to ramp up his loads after overcoming a lingering illness that has seen him sidelined in recent weeks.
"Unfortunately, there's been a couple of times he's been unable to play," McQualter said.
"We're really confident we're getting on top of (the illness) now. And Bo will be able to train and play this week, and really progress and push himself forward.
"He needs to put a couple weeks together of training and playing."
The Eagles will play host as Essendon travel to Optus Stadium on Good Friday.
