IT WAS a day for false alarms at West Coast.
Even while coach Adam Simpson was trying to hose down the "Chinese whispers" surrounding veteran spearhead Josh Kennedy's sore leg, he was interrupted by a fire alarm at the Eagles' new headquarters.
Thankfully, it was only a burnt toasted sandwich in the club's cafe and, from West Coast's perspective, thankfully Kennedy is also fine.
Eagles coach Adam Simpson. Picture: Getty Images
On Monday morning, a radio report detailing Kennedy feeling for his leg during training last Friday spiralled into fears of a potentially season-ending knee setback, which Simpson quickly allayed.
"I was a bit worried when I heard some of the news that's come out today," Simpson said with tongue planted firmly in cheek.
"He got a knock to his shin on Friday in a bit of match sim, and he went off and then came back on and finished the rest of the day.
"I think a journalist might have seen that and from that the Chinese whispers have spread around.
"There's absolutely nothing wrong, he finished training. He'll be training tonight. He's OK."
However, the Eagles do have a reason for concern heading into their elimination bout with the Bombers.
Premiership skipper Shannon Hurn appears in growing doubt due to a hamstring issue he played through in the round 23 loss to Hawthorn.
"That's a bit different. We're still working on him. He's got a slight hamstring and he'll be a decision in the next few days," Simpson said.
"That's going to be a close one."
Hurn is expected to train at Optus Stadium on Monday night, and will have a say whether he can get through a full game.
Will the Eagles skipper play? Picture: Getty Images
West Coast is already set to bring back Nic Naitanui on managed minutes from a two-month layoff, and has a squad of 26 in the mix after Brendon Ah Chee, Jarrod Cameron and Will Schofield were held out of the WAFL.
Naitanui trained strongly last Friday – leaping at centre bounce work during a two-hour session - and is ready to return from his syndesmosis issue to partner Tom Hickey in the ruck.
Simpson declared full-back Tom Barrass a certain starter after some costly errors in the final two games, with experienced tall Schofield in the mix to return.
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Essendon is likely to load up with Orazio Fantasia, Dyson Heppell, Cale Hooker and Jake Stringer set to return, and is increasingly hopeful Michael Hurley (shoulder) will be fit.
The Eagles will be aiming for their first finals victory over the Bombers from six attempts, in the clubs' first-ever September meeting in Perth.
"The last two games we've played, we got really hurt and touched up last year and this year we turned the tables," Simpson said.
"It's probably the (most) full-strength side in terms of availability for them that they've had for a long time.
"Across the board they're pretty damaging."
