DEAN Cox has been ruled out of West Coast's clash with Adelaide on Saturday due to concussion, but Eagles coach Adam Simpson sees the champion's absence as a chance to see the team's ruck future in action.
Richmond's Ty Vickery knocked out Cox with a swinging right arm during the second term of the Eagles' loss to the Tigers last week, and was suspended for four weeks.
The retiring veteran, who is also the Eagles ruck coach, will travel to Adelaide with the Eagles squad but coach Adam Simpson said he would not play after failing a concussion test on Monday.
Cox's misfortune grants another chance to youngster Scott Lycett.
The 21-year-old ruckman is out of contract as season's end and there has been plenty of speculation surrounding his future.
He has played just 17 matches in four years, having to bide his time behind Cox and Nic Naitanui.
Port Adelaide has declared its interest in Lycett but the Eagles have been in contract discussions all season to try and retain the youngster.
Lycett has played just seven senior matches this year and no more than two in a row.
The Eagles coach believes Lycett is ready to take the next step and become the long-term replacement for Cox.
"Obviously that's another opportunity for Lycett to come into the side," Simpson said.
"I reckon he's just about done his apprenticeship, his fourth year, coming into his fifth.
"He's worked under some tremendous ruckmen and he's just starting to find his own and have influence on games. I think he had 10 possessions in the last half against Brisbane, and he's just about ready to take that next step.
"And obviously with Dean retiring it's an important step for us."
Simpson was hopeful Lycett's contract would be resolved before the end of the season.
There are plenty of opportunities for young Eagles to make their mark over the next five weeks, starting with the clash at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.
The Eagles have an extensive injury list that has lengthened this week.
Beau Waters (shoulder) and Matt Rosa (pectoral muscle) suffered season ending injuries earlier this year. Scott Selwood (ankle) and Elliot Yeo (broken hand) were chances to return before the end of the season, but Simpson said both were unlikely at this stage.
Sharrod Wellingham had season ending knee surgery on Wednesday to repair a torn lateral meniscus in his knee. Simpson also revealed that Brad Sheppard would not play again this season due to an ankle injury.
"It's providing opportunity for others, so we are actually pretty excited about what we can do over the next five weeks, regardless of our position on the ladder," Simpson said.
"We can still test a lot of things we want to try out.
"But we would like to finish the year off on a positive note and give us something to really challenge for in the pre-season."
