WEST Coast key defender Eric Mackenzie has suffered a setback with his troublesome toe and has been forced back into a moon boot only a month out from the JLT Community Series.
Mackenzie underwent post-season surgery at the end of last year and appeared to make progress in his recovery when he took part in some skills drills on Monday.
But the 2014 John Worsfold medallist was absent from Wednesday's session and the Eagles have revealed a setback.
"It’s just flared up again. He’s gone back into a moon boot at the recommendation of our medical staff," general manager football Craig Vozzo told westcoasteagles.com.au.
"We’ll know more over the next couple of weeks, but we’ll take a conservative approach for at least two weeks and then reset from there, depending on how he responds."
The Eagles kick-off their JLT campaign against Port Adelaide on February 25, and hope talismanic ruckman Nic Naitanui will make his long-awaited return from a knee reconstruction for their second clash against Fremantle on March 11.
"Big Nic, he is on track," Vozzo said.
"Obviously it’s not a normal program, so he’s doing something that’s really specific to what has been tailored for Nic, as set by our [strength and conditioning] people, in combination with our medical (staff).
"He’s in and out of training when the main group trains, but the volume of his training has been really good.
"It’s a slow, graduated build up, very much with the JLT and then round one in mind."
Star spearhead Josh Kennedy is also aiming for the season-opener against Sydney at Optus Stadium after undergoing ankle surgery last month.
"We expect he’ll be doing some jogging next week and even, possibly, on track doing some running sessions by the end of next week," Vozzo said.
"At this stage fingers crossed. (He's) tracking as well as we could've hoped."
Elliot Yeo (hip) and Andrew Gaff (ankle) took part in a tough two-and-a-half hour session on Wednesday, and are building towards full fitness, while Luke Shuey (hip) should return to main training drills next week.
