ESSENDON coach Mark Thompson says Joe Daniher placed himself above the team by putting his hand up to play last week too soon after injury and the young forward is lucky to have held his place.

Thompson said the Bombers, who host West Coast in their round 21 clash at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, would have faced a tough decision if Daniher's fellow key forward Jake Carlisle had not suffered an injury.

"Carlisle has got a sore back, so if he was there he (Daniher) would've struggled," Thompson told reporters on Friday.

"He might come out and take some marks and kick some goals which would be the best result."

The 20-year-old Daniher had told Thompson he was ready to return from a collarbone injury, but had little impact in last week's loss to Richmond.

Thompson said the 201cm Daniher had disappointed him but the youngster would learn from the experience.

"It's all about team. If you make decision based on yourself and not the team then it's not looked upon that well and it becomes a disease," Thompson said.

"He's very apologetic. He's sorry and he knew he didn't play well.

"It might be a good thing he stayed in the team so he can redeem himself."

Essendon (10-9 win-loss) is coming off two consecutive defeats while West Coast (9-10) is on a two-game winning streak as the Eagles mount a late bid for the top eight.