West Coast star Elliot Yeo has been sent for scans after landing awkwardly in a tackle during pre-season match simulation on Friday.
Yeo was caught in a tackle on the wing and hit the ground awkwardly, leading to a stop in play as the 31-year-old limped from the Lathlain Park deck.
The star midfielder returned to flying form in 2024 after a number of years of injury setbacks, with hopes the scans report minor concerns for his knee and ankle.
Prior to the injury, Yeo was playing in his regular midfield role during match simulation with aims to continue his strong form of last year.
The West Coast Eagles have also announced a restructured leadership group for the 2025 season, including familiar faces to lead from the helm.
Co-captains Oscar Allen and Liam Duggan will return to their customary leadership position again next season, after being appointed in their joint role in 2024.
Allen played just 11 games in his first season as skipper due to injury sidelining the 25-year-old. He was still influential when in the side, kicking 20 goals.
Without Allen for more than half the season, Duggan led from the front in 21 games. He averaged 6.7 marks per game as a general in defence, guiding his side to a win five times in 2024.
Footy boss at West Coast John Worsfold said the two were the outstanding candidates once again.
“It was clear after running a thorough process in line with our club values that Liam and Oscar were the standout leaders for our playing group in 2025,” Worsfold said.
“They formed an excellent working relationship during their first year as co-captains and their leadership styles complemented each other.
“We're looking forward to them continuing to lead the club into an exciting new era under senior coach Andrew McQualter.”
Jeremy McGovern will return to his vice-captaincy position in 2025, a role he had held solely since 2021 until 2024, where he took a step back to focus purely on his form.
Leaving his formal role evidently worked, with McGovern collected another All-Australian blazer to add to his wardrobe in 2024 after reclaiming his best form.
“We are really pleased Jeremy will resume a formal leadership position after he stepped back from the vice-captaincy last year to focus on returning to his best football,” Worsfold said.
“The results spoke for themselves after being named Club Champion, and he will step back in to support Liam and Oscar.”
New faces join the official leadership group, with Richmond recruits Jack Graham and Liam Baker instantly thrusted into significant roles at the club.
Arriving after premiership success at Punt Road, the Eagles will be hoping the two Tigers can pass on their knowledge from success to influence the young West Coast side back to a winning culture.
Key forward and leading goalkicker Jake Waterman has also been included in the leadership group after a phenomenal 53-goal season in 2024.
“It's a terrific sign of Jake's growth for him to join the leadership group and he has shown admirable resilience to reach this point in his career,” Worsfold said.
“Liam and Jack arrived at the club with strong leadership credentials, and they have already made an impact driving high standards amongst the playing group.”
Allen and Duggan will be ready to lead the Eagles in their opening match of the year, coming against Gold Coast at Optus Stadium in Round 1.