West Coast has released a statement regarding the future of Isiah Winder after the youngster made his return to Laithlain on Monday.
Winder hit the track after assault charges were levelled against the small forward for an incident in Geelong late last year.
Winder had previously been banished from training with AFL teammates following the alleged altercation, having been required to train with WAFL players at the back end of last year's pre-season program for 2023.
Within a club statement, the Eagles claimed that the 20-year-old still had strides to make before he could transition back to training with Adam Simpson's senior side.
"The Club continued to support Isiah while he was directed to train with the WAFL squad after an incident in Geelong at the end of a camp in December for the AFL's Indigenous and multicultural players," said statement read.
"He has worked hard to regain the trust and confidence of players and staff before returning to train with the AFL squad.
"The Club has also been informed that Winder has been charged with assault as a result of the incident in Geelong. As this matter is scheduled to go before the courts later this year the Club can make no further comment at this time."
It is not yet known if the investigation by Victoria Police into the Geelong incident has been concluded.
Winder was delisted and then re-selected by the Eagles through the Rookie Draft last year following a season where he featured in six matches.
Meanwhile, star stopper Tom Barrass has been spotted sporting a cast on his right arm at at the Eagles' first training session of 2023, with the reigning John Worsfold Medal winner limited in his workloads due to the ailment.
The key defender, who is coming off a stellar 2022 campaign where he claimed the club's best and fairests honours and was the sole Eagle to feature in the All-Australian 44-man squad, will be a pivotal player on Adam Simpson's last line this season as the Perth club prepare for another difficult year ahead.
Barrass was a highlight in a two-win season for West Coast, ranking among the AFL's best backmen to fall narrowly short of a maiden All-Australian blazer.
The 27-year-old managed 19 games last year in what was an injury and COVID-19-interrupted campaign for the blue and gold, who were required to depend on top-up players and would eventually have 47 players feature at AFL level.
While a number of star players have returned to the track following a spell on the sidelines, Barrass, who is yet to play more than 20 games in any of his eight seasons with the club, was limited in his abilities on Monday.
According toย The West Australian,ย Barrass was required to watch on as teammates took part in skills drills, with the premiership Eagle kept to running laps at Lathlain Park.
Barrass isn't expected to be sidelined for the start of the season due to the ailment, which is believed to have been sustained in the past week.
West Coast will open their 2023 season with a trip to Marvel Stadium on Saturday, March 18, where they will face North Melbourne.
