WEST Coast youngster Liam Duggan will miss the rest of the year after injuring the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in the WAFL on the weekend, but key defender Jeremy McGovern may only miss two weeks with his hamstring injury.
Duggan, the Eagles' first-round pick from last year's NAB AFL Draft, suffered a knock to the knee in a marking contest during the first term of East Perth's win over Perth on Saturday.
Scans have confirmed damage to the PCL and Eagles' general manager of football Craig Vozzo told the club's website on Tuesday that the Eagles are likely to rest Duggan for the remainder of the season rather than push him to return for a potential finals campaign.
"It's very disappointing for Liam and the football club," Vozzo said.
"He's had a terrific first year to date. Liam is going to be a pretty important part of our football club moving forward, so we're not keen to take too much risk with it, which probably means his season is over."
The Victorian has played 12 games in his first season of AFL football after being recruited from the Western Jets last year.
He gathered 25 disposals against Greater Western Sydney and 23 against St Kilda and has impressed many at the Eagles with his composure, decision-making and ball use.
In better news for the Eagles, McGovern's hamstring injury might not be as severe as first thought. The key defender will have further scans but could be back in time to face Hawthorn in round 19 at Domain Stadium.
"The initial indications are that it is likely a 2-3 week injury but it could be on the lower end of that range depending on what the scans say," Vozzo said.
Xavier Ellis (elbow), Josh Hill (shoulder) and Scott Selwood (knee) all received knocks in the win over Collingwood last Saturday. All three will be monitored this week but none are expected to miss Sunday's clash with the Sydney Swans.
Sam Butler is ready to go after missing the last two weeks with a hip strain. Patrick McGinnity is also available after missing the last seven weeks with a broken wrist.
