WEST Coast coach Adam Simpson is still confident that Lewis Jetta will be a key contributor for the club this season and in years to come despite sending him back to the WAFL this week.
Jetta was axed following a quiet first six games for his new club, averaging just 12 possessions.
The 27-year-old will play for East Perth on Saturday but Simpson said he was confident Jetta would bounce back quickly.
"I know it's a big deal that he's not playing this week but in the bigger picture we're still confident," Simpson said on Friday.
"We stated that we've got some patience with Lewis. This is part of trying to induct him into our club and our system. Unfortunately he wasn't in our best 22 this week. We've got some clear focuses for him and he'll concentrate on those at East Perth this week."
Simpson said he was really impressed by how the experienced premiership player handled his omission.
"(He was) really positive. He's a team player," Simpson said.
"That's one thing I've learnt in the last couple of weeks. It's what can he do for the club and how can he help. I've been really impressed with his attitude."
Simpson would not go into detail on what Jetta needed to show at East Perth and he has not put a timeframe on how long he could be there.
"Clearly impact on the game is important for any player and being a good contributor is important," Simpson said.
"There's some things there I won't go into but we've got a clear plan. We're patient with him and we'll work through it.
"Obviously we're a little bit different than Sydney and he's still adapting. A lot of players who came into our side in the last couple of years have gone through a similar process."
Sam Butler returns to the side as the only change from the team that lost to Geelong by 44 points last week. Butler missed the Cats loss with a groin complaint.
Simpson said the focus for the Eagles this week was pretty simple.
"The basics," Simpson said.
"We let ourselves down on the weekend along with a bit of the contest as well. That'll be our focus areas this week."
Simpson said he did view St Kilda star Nick Riewoldt as a potential threat on Sunday but he would trust the Eagles' team defence to curtail the in-form veteran.
