WEST Coast coach Adam Simpson has not written off Sharrod Wellingham saying the former Magpie is in an important learning phase of his career.
The 26-year-old has endured a difficult first two seasons at West Coast after being traded from Collingwood at the end of 2012 following 92 matches and a premiership.
Wellingham's 2013 season was ravaged by ankle injuries, one of which was self-inflicted in a bizarre accident on a trampoline during the pre-season.
In his second season at West Coast, under a different coach, Wellingham has been dropped on three separate occasions due to poor form.
But Simpson said he was not ruling a line through Wellingham.
"We think there is some tremendous upside from Sharrod and we're not writing him off by any stretch," Simpson said.
"It's been, hopefully, good learning here for Sharrod. He's really excited about what he can do and what he's learning off the field and on game day as well.
"He'll be available for us tomorrow night and if it's not this week, hopefully it's next week."
Wellingham had 26 touches in the WAFL on the same day the Eagles beat the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba in round 17.
Despite the win Simpson said there would be opportunities for players over the next six weeks as there are a number of Eagles who needed to lift their output.
"It feels like there are six to eight players who can play better," Simpson said.
"A combination of our top-end players have got another level to go to, and our kids will be up and down from week to week. Jeremy McGovern is a classic (example). We want to give him an opportunity but he has to earn his spot.
"I think we've played 35 players. So we've got people like Sharrod, Jamie Bennell, Josh Hill, Jamie Cripps, those guys who have played lots of senior games, but aren't in the side at the moment.
"They are playing well enough to get into the side."
Shannon Hurn will be the Eagles captain this week as the rotation continues following the retirement of Darren Glass earlier this year.
