WEST Coast's most dynamic midfielder, Luke Shuey, is expected to ramp up his JLT Community Series preparations next week after battling a sore hip flexor recently.
Shuey was once again held out of contact work as his teammates got stuck into intense match simulation and AFLX practice on Wednesday.
When he wasn’t watching the action from the sidelines, the 2016 club champion was restricted to running laps and some repeat-effort skills work.
Mystery has surrounded Shuey's presence in the rehab group but he is expected back in main training when the Eagles return from a four-day break.
"He's had a minor hip flexor, which has held him back post-Christmas," general manager of football Craig Vozzo told AFL.com.au.
"He developed some soreness over the Christmas break.
"Because he's had such a big period pre-Christmas with International Rules and a really big training block we've really cut him right back and are about to reset shortly with the main group.
"Him and (Chris) Masten have had a similar program post-Christmas because they had such a great block pre-Christmas and were a little bit sore in the same area.
"Nothing for us to be too concerned about long-term, all the scans etcetera are great, but just nursing him through it until he's pain-free, basically."
Spearhead Josh Kennedy made a brief appearance at Lathlain Park but didn't take part in any on-field training as he continues his rehabilitation from ankle surgery.
Nic Naitanui only completed straight-line running and basic skills work before leaving the track after an hour.
The star ruckman hasn't played since round 22, 2016 when he ruptured his ACL but West Coast is aiming for him to return in the club's final JLT Community Series clash against Fremantle.
While some of West Coast's biggest names are being managed, reigning John Worsfold medallist Elliot Yeo (hip) and Andrew Gaff (ankle) appear to have shaken off their niggles.
The important duo looked unrestricted during match practice and found plenty of the ball.
Yeo, who is pushing for an expanded midfield role, started in the centre square and won the first clearance before also spending time on a wing.
The Eagles employed their possible new-look forward line – if Kennedy isn't ready for round one – on the same team with Willie Rioli, Liam Ryan and Jake Waterman joining regulars Jack Darling, Mark LeCras and Jamie Cripps in the front six.
A trimmed-down Rioli set AFLX practice alight when he tapped a ball between his legs, turned Shannon Hurn inside-out, took two bounces and rolled through a shot from the boundary in the pocket.
Ryan also showcased his class around goals and appears on track for the season opener, while Waterman has bulked-up significantly and impressed onlookers with his aggression at the contest.
Draftee Oscar Allen remains on light duties coming back from a tibia issue, while key defender Eric Mackenzie (toe) wasn't sighted after joining some drills during Monday's session.
