TAGGER Mark Hutchings faces an uphill battle to be fit for West Coast's first final, with a hamstring setback likely to sideline the premiership stopper for at least three weeks.

Hutchings was out of action before half-time in the Eagles' six-point loss to Richmond on Sunday.

The 28-year-old was only playing his second game back at AFL level after previously straining the same hamstring against the Hawks in round 15.  

It took Hutchings five weeks to return via the WAFL last time, and his recurrence puts him behind the eight-ball with veteran wingman Chris Masten likely to return and have the chance to cement a spot in September.  

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"It's ended up being, on scan, a low-grade hamstring tear in the same hamstring he (Hutchings) hurt earlier in the year," football manager Craig Vozzo said. 

"So it's probably looking like a three-week recovery period. He's moving around quite well already, but we'll see how he goes in the next three weeks."

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West Coast's epic loss to the Tigers leaves the reigning premier needing to beat Hawthorn this Saturday night to secure a top-four spot. 

If Carlton also upsets Geelong, or Richmond knocks over Brisbane and the Eagles can make up enough percentage on the Lions, they could still host a qualifying final.

West Coast needs about an 80-point swing in its favour – taking into account the margin of its game and the Tigers-Lions clash – to leapfrog second-placed Brisbane on the ladder. 

The Eagles are close to full strength entering round 23, with star ruckman Nic Naitanui expected to push for their opening September encounter after recovering from an ankle syndesmosis complaint.

Masten was among the WAFL side's best in atrocious conditions last Friday night, picking up 25 touches two weeks after being dropped.

Young defender Liam Duggan (19 disposals) also pushed his case after getting through his comeback from an ankle problem. 

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The Eagles' reserves can still qualify for finals if West Perth or Perth loses in the final round, and they will know if the season is alive when they take on East Fremantle on Sunday.  

Skipper Fraser McInnes (quad) and youngsters Luke Foley (calf) and Brodie Riach (leg) should be available.