THE OUTLOOK is "pretty promising" for Jack Darling to take his place against Sydney, and West Coast will give the tall forward until gameday to prove his fitness for the Thursday night clash, coach Adam Simpson says.
Darling hurt his ankle after an awkward landing from a marking contest in the opening minutes of last Saturday's 11-point loss to Richmond.
The 24-year-old played out the match but faded after half-time, and with only a five-day turnaround Darling has been racing the clock to take his place for the Domain Stadium contest.
The athletic goalkicker – who has booted five majors in three games this season – failed to train on Monday but was on the track on the eve of the Swans clash.
"I think we'll still give it until tomorrow, but at the moment it's looking pretty promising," Simpson said.
"It's really important for us to have him in the side. At the moment, it's looking more positive."
Simpson refused to reveal the Eagles' line-up ahead of teams being announced, but hinted at changes.
However, 34-year-old midfielder Sam Mitchell appears set to play after training on Monday and Wednesday.
"He's always been a week-to-week with us with his profile and his age, and he's pulling up really well," Simpson said.
"He'd be the first one to admit he's not handling the travel or the short days break and we'd manage him – and I'd trust him to do that.
"At the moment, he's pulling up as good as he ever has been."
The Eagles were criticised for appearing slow at times against Richmond and – with Sydney ruckmen Kurt Tippett and Sam Naismith under injury clouds – there has been talk the Eagles could drop a big man.
But Simpson swatted away that suggestion, declaring "workhorse" ruckmen Jonathan Giles and Nathan Vardy needed each other to get through four quarters.
"You'd hate to win or lose games because you're too tall or too small," Simpson said. "But you need to look at the bigger picture sometimes.
"I think there is a option there one day to do that with Jack (Darling) or even (defender Jeremy) McGovern (to be used in the ruck) … but it just takes away a bit from what they're in the side for as well.
"We won't be doing that this week."
Simpson admitted the Eagles are still searching for ways to get the best out of Lewis Jetta, who is set to face his former side for the second time on Thursday night after being traded for Callum Sinclair at the end of 2015.
Jetta had 14 touches against Richmond after replacing Dom Sheed – who racked up 37 disposals and booted a goal for East Perth – but the speedy wingman was criticised for missing chances to use his blistering pace.
"I think we all agree we haven't seen the best of 'Jetts' for a little while now and we're trying to unlock that part of his game that does bring the run and carry into it," Simpson said.
"When he does do it, he's very dangerous, and when he doesn't he comes under scrutiny, which is just the business we're in.
"He knows that."
