WEST Coast's hopes of raiding North Melbourne's fortress in Hobart could be dealt a sizeable blow with spearhead Josh Kennedy battling soreness.
The dual Coleman medallist returned from a hairline fracture in his leg against Collingwood two matches ago and has booted five goals but appeared to be labouring at times.
Kennedy looks in serious doubt for the long-haul trip to Tasmania and will miss the Eagles' direct flight on Friday.
MATCH PREVIEW Kangaroos v Eagles
"We'll see how he goes and wakes up tomorrow, and we'll name him in the side. He's a bit sore, just in general," coach Adam Simpson said.
"We'll get a bit more specific in the next 24 hours, but just getting through week-to-week with his body has been a challenge of late."
West Coast, which has already lost Lewis Jetta to a minor calf niggle, could recall young forward Jake Waterman for the clash with the Roos, who have won 12 of their past 14 at Blundstone Arena.
"We've been really impressed (with Waterman). He's had a disrupted last five weeks with coming into (and out of) the side," Simpson said.
"When you've got Kennedy and (Jack) Darling in the side, I think blooding a young tall forward is a lot easier.
"He had to carry the load for the couple of weeks and it was difficult. He's definitely in contention if Josh doesn't come up."
Key defender Tom Barrass looms as another possible inclusion to combat Coleman Medal leader Ben Brown.
Simpson also backed Dom Sheed to find form after struggling in an unfamiliar half-forward role and only picking up 10 touches in his return against the Bulldogs.
"With players, you don't like them playing for their spot. Quite often, other issues creep into their head," Simpson said.
"So we just want to play this role that we've got for him. It might be a different role for him this weekend, it might be the same.
"But he'll play, and we'll back him in this week."
The Eagles have been involved in two thrillers against North in Hobart for a win and a loss, and will train at the venue on Saturday to prepare for the typically wintry and breezy conditions.
There is plenty riding on the contest for both sides, with 10th-placed North battling for a finals berth.
If the Eagles win they could jump a game clear on top of the ladder or move two wins clear in the top-two, depending on the result of Richmond's blockbuster against Collingwood.
Meanwhile, Simpson confirmed midfield coach Sam Mitchell is working through some family issues and will leave the club to return to Victoria at the end of the year.
COACH FOR HIRE Mitchell heading home to Vic
Mitchell is in the second season of the bombshell four-year playing and coaching deal he signed to cross from Hawthorn at the end of 2016.
"What's really important for us is this year, and this week, so that will take care of itself at the end of the season," Simpson said.
"That won't distract us."
Simpson also said star ruckman Nic Naitanui's knee reconstruction was a success and the Eagles are planning on a standard recovery timeframe of about 12 months.
"Hopefully at some stage next year we get him back," Simpson said.
"He's going to be relentless with his recovery."
