JEREMY McGovern is a chance to play against the Brisbane Lions this week after scans on his left knee came back better than expected.

McGovern injured the knee during the second term of Sunday's 30-point loss to Fremantle. He fell awkwardly and immediately limped from the field before being sent to the rooms for treatment.

McGovern returned to play after half time but was subbed out of the game late in the third term.

Eagles coach Adam Simpson held fears after the game that McGovern may be out for a number of weeks, but Simpson told Channel Seven on Monday night that their was a slight chance the defender could play against the Lions. 

"There's a small chance," Simpson said. "He had some scans today and they've come up pretty well. So, fingers crossed."

The Eagles have had wretched luck with injuries to key defenders this year. They have already lost Eric Mackenzie and Mitch Brown to knee reconstructions. Midfielder Elliot Yeo is filling a role in defence alongside McGovern and Will Schofield. 

If McGovern doesn't play, the Eagles have prepared ruckmen/tall forwards Callum Sinclair and Fraser McInnes for potential defensive roles. Both played in defence in the WAFL last week and could be called upon this week.

Youngster Tom Barrass is a natural key defender but he played just his first WAFL league match last Saturday since being drafted in 2013.

The injury-plagued 19-year-old acquitted himself well, collecting 16 disposals and nine marks for East Perth.