ADAM Simpson admits keeping West Coast's premiership bid on track will be a challenge, but the Eagles coach is confident his players can refocus after the intense fallout from Andrew Gaff's punch. 

Star midfielder Gaff's season-ending eight-match suspension has compounded the loss of talismanic ruckman Nic Naitanui (knee), and critics are lining up to write-off the Eagles' flag hopes.  

After a week of heavy scrutiny on Gaff and the club, Simpson fronted the media on Thursday and backed his players to perform on the run home, starting with a tough trip to face Port Adelaide on Saturday.

"They've been through a bit this year, our boys, and they've managed to stay on task, so that's our challenge," Simpson said.

"There's plenty of resolve within the club, there's a really good sense of unity amongst our players.

"That's been there from the start of pre-season, the spirit's been really strong, I think it's won us some games this year.

"I can't see why that would change."

The Eagles have a six-point buffer in second spot on the ladder and probably need to win two of their last three matches to secure two home finals.

But they might also have to do most of the heavy lifting without star spearhead Josh Kennedy (leg), who might not be back before round 23.

It shapes as a nervous run home as West Coast adjusts, but Simpson insisted the Eagles could still win the flag.

"Of course we think we can, is the answer," he said.

"There's a squad mentality amongst our players. I think every club is the same. Every club has injuries.

"We've got a couple of injuries and one big suspension we've got to deal with.

"The answer is yes."

Gaff will return from Melbourne next week and Simpson said the 26-year-old's wellbeing was a priority.

"I think our players' immediate concerns is to make sure he's feeling the love from us, and put our arm around him as much as we can," he said.

"When he comes back to the club next we'll do that and work through how we're going to finish off the year without him."

It is unlikely Gaff will train with West Coast for the remainder of the season, and Simpson said it was too early to tell if he would take on a coaching role.

The coach also wasn't sure what impact, if any, Gaff's suspension would have on his restricted free agency decision.

The Eagles will consider recalling Dom Sheed, Brendon Ah Chee and youngster Brayden Ainsworth to fill Gaff's role, while Liam Duggan is a chance to move from defence into midfield.

Simpson was reluctant to move Lewis Jetta after his impressive form across half-back.

West Coast heads to Adelaide Oval with a perfect record in four clashes with the Power, but only an average winning margin of 7.5 points.

"Every time we go to Adelaide Oval, there's good memories. You can't say that about every ground," Simpson said.

"At their best, they're (Port) as good as anyone. With the talent they've brought in this year they're obviously on a mission themselves.

"They're pretty tough, they're a hard, contested football team and they've got some high-end talent as well.

"It's going to be a bit of a battle."

Podcast: Brayshaw says Gaff's hit on brother was 'assault'

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