Jeremy McGovern has named Harry Edwards and Jobe Shanahan as two potential prospects to fill the void of former Eagle Tom Barrass.
Barrass departed the Eagles in the 2024 trade period to Hawthorn, leaving large shoes to fill as West Coast enters 2025 amid a lengthy rebuild.
The loss of Barrass' experience is a blow to the Eagles however it presents an opportunity for youngsters biding their time in the shadows to have a breakout season.
Harry Edwards seems to be the frontrunner for the role come Opening Round, despite making just nine appearances at the top flight in 2024.
The 39-gamer enters his sixth year and after a strong pre-season is primed to slot into the backline with McGovern.
McGovern noted Barrass' exit will be impactful for the Eagles' defence but said there is "a great opportunity" for a developing player to make their mark.
"I'm going to miss the big fella (Barrass) for sure. We played plenty of footy here and he's one of my best mates, obviously on a personal level, I'll definitely miss him," McGovern said on 3AW's World Wide of Sports.
"But also footy-wise, he was such a good player.
"With (Barrass' departure) opportunity comes, and we've had a couple of boys in the wings who haven't had a lot of opportunity with myself and Tom playing at times. It's a great opportunity for someone else to step up.
"Harry Edwards is probably the first one that jumps to mind. He's been chomping at the bit for an opportunity.
"We had a couple of the SSP boys play today as well, and they look really sharp as well. So we've got a few options down there."
Draftee Jobe Shanahan has also impressed McGovern this pre-season after the highly touted key talent slid to the Eagles at Pick 30.
Playing as a forward in his draft year, Shanahan also has the versatility to become a valuable intercept defender, with his aerial prowess and ability to crash packs. Training in defence during his first pre-season, his raw skills have been noticed by his five-time All-Australian teammate.
"Jobe Shanahan has been playing as well down back, and he looks really sharp," McGovern said.
"So we have a few options and I'm looking to build a bit of a relationship with a couple of these new boys."
McGovern was buoyant in his assessment of the trio of Victorian recruits Liam Baker, Jack Graham and Matt Owies, who bring premiership knowledge and years of experience in the AFL system to a young West Coast outfit.
"They've (Baker, Graham, and Owies) all fit in really seamlessly. I thought the club, on a personal level did a great job getting those lads in. We're a very young list and you need some experience," McGovern said.
"Those boys bring that, and they're also very good players as well, so they've fit in seamlessly. They're great blokes and high-level players.
"I'm looking forward to playing with them and looking forward to seeing what all these young boys can do when they're (presented) with a bit more opportunity than they've probably had in the past."
West Coast's next pre-season clash comes against North Melbourne on Saturday, March 1, with a Round 1 face-off against Gold Coast dated for Sunday, March 16.
