WEST Coast could be set to shuffle star interceptor Jeremy McGovern into defence for Sunday's crunch Western Derby after losing tall Eric Mackenzie to a hamstring injury.
In a frustrating setback after reviving his career in recent weeks, Mackenzie will be sidelined for up to three matches by a hamstring strain suffered during last round's 32-point loss to Port Adelaide.
McGovern has been used in attack for lengthy periods in spearhead Josh Kennedy's absence, although he was pushed into defence when the Power burst out of the blocks last Sunday.
The full round 17 injury list: Who's out and who's a test
West Coast could also recall Will Schofield (hip) and dashing backman Jackson Nelson (hamstring) to help cover the loss of Mackenzie.
Kennedy was expected back last round but couldn't hit the necessary markers at training to be cleared by medical staff, and the Eagles are holding their breath and hoping the dual Coleman medallist is available for the derby.
“We're not getting too excited, because we need to get (Kennedy) through (training) Thursday, but we're expecting that'll be the case and he'll finally be able to play for us on the weekend," football manager Craig Vozzo told westcoasteagles.com.au.
"So, fingers crossed."
The Eagles are facing some tough selection calls should Kennedy prove his fitness after hurting his calf against Greater Western Sydney in round 10.
Ruckman Scott Lycett returned last round to partner Nathan Vardy in the ruck, with Drew Petrie playing in attack.
It seems unlikely that tall trio will all play against the Dockers if Kennedy returns.
Meanwhile, top draftee Daniel Venables has had a setback with his turf toe injury and will be sidelined for another 2-3 weeks.
The Eagles are holding back livewire Willie Rioli for one more week after his latest hamstring setback, with Simon Tunbridge nearly ready to return after a revolutionary hybrid-LARS knee reconstruction.
Draftee Jake Waterman is finally ready to play his first WAFL game after a foot stress fracture, with category B rookie Tarir Bayok also set to return for East Perth from a lengthy hamstring setback.
