WEST Coast's ruck stocks are set to be pushed closer to breaking point with Nathan Vardy expected to be sidelined by an elbow problem suffered in Saturday night's 41-point Western Derby triumph over Fremantle.
Vardy's right elbow painfully hyperextended when his fist was caught under Nat Fyfe's arm in a first-quarter marking contest.
The 200cm former Cat played out the game with his elbow strapped, however he will have scans on Sunday and seems unlikely to face Port Adelaide next Saturday.
If Vardy is ruled out, he would join star Nic Naitanui (knee), Scott Lycett (shoulder) and Drew Petrie (hand) on the sidelines.
"I think we might have lost Vardy with an elbow injury," coach Adam Simpson said.
"It's not ideal. I wish I could say Nic was coming back, or Lycett, or Drew, but they aren't, so we'll find a way."
Rookie-listed Fraser McInnes has been playing in the ruck for East Perth and is the last viable option to partner Jonathan Giles, but is undersized at 197cm tall.
"We'll have to upgrade (McInnes) if we need him. We'll have a look at the other options," Simpson said.
"We might have to look at (Jeremy) McGovern and (Jack) Darling again."
WATCH: McGovern and Kennedy torch the Dockers
Simpson would be reluctant to relocate McGovern after swinging the star back to defence and watching him dominate the Dockers in the air.
The All Australian was impassable in the first half and finished with 13 marks – including eight intercepts - while Elliot Yeo worked his way into the clash with 32 touches and 14 marks to continue his resurgence.
Nathan Vardy was left clutching his shoulder after this contest. #AFLEaglesFreo pic.twitter.com/hQgHE3bSrJ
— AFL (@AFL) April 29, 2017
But Eagles spearhead Josh Kennedy won back-to-back Ross Glendinning Medals in a tight count after booting six goals.
"All credit to JK with his six goals, but I thought 'Gov' was pretty special tonight," Simpson said.
"(McGovern) was exceptional, along with 'Yeoy' down back, I thought both of them stood up tonight, particularly early.
"(Yeo's) probably in All Australian form at half-back."
Simpson offered only cautious praise to his side after they responded to last week's hammering from Hawthorn at the MCG with a strong effort at the coalface.
West Coast dominated contested ball by 20 – after losing the key stat by 22 to the Hawks – but have fluctuated in that area across the opening six rounds.
"We're really pleased that we responded, but now it's about next week," Simpson said.
"It's not the travel (that is our issue), it's the consistency with our intent and how we go about it."
The Eagles will face an in-form Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval, where West Coast has won four of five clashes, and are counting the cost of mounting injury concerns.
Veteran Sam Mitchell appeared sore after being rushed back from an ankle injury, and could be touch-and-go again to face the Power, while Liam Duggan (corked leg) and Kurt Mutimer (knee) were also hobbled on Saturday night.