THERE are serious concerns over West Coast ruckman Scott Lycett's 2017 campaign, after he was sent to Melbourne to get a second opinion on his posterior cruciate ligament injury.
Lycett battled a sore left knee in the last month of the season. He did some damage to his PCL midway through the season but played on.
He suffered several knocks that hampered him in the last two rounds of the home and away season and the elimination final where he hobbled off early in the second term against the Bulldogs after hurting the knee while laying a tackle.
The Eagles have confirmed Lycett needs some kind of surgery but the extent of the operation is unclear.
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AFL.com.au understands that the normal course of action for a partial PCL tear is rest and recovery but a complete tear would require a reconstruction that could rule him out for anywhere between six and 12 months. Any meniscus or cartilage damage would also be concerning going forward.
Fremantle youngster Michael Apeness had a PCL reconstruction in 2015 and missed 12 months.
The Eagles are already set to be without Nic Naitanui for most, if not all, of 2017 as he recovers from his anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Jonathan Giles is the Eagles' only other 200cm-plus ruckman on the list.
Fraser McInnes, a 197cm key forward/ruckman, is out of contract and suffered two serious hamstring injuries this year but he looks set to be required next year.
The Eagles are exploring all ruck options available via trade and free agency.
Greater Western Sydney ruckman Rory Lobb is of most interest given he is reportedly open to a move back to Western Australia but is contracted to the Giants in 2017.
The Eagles are considering delisted Roo Drew Petrie.
The 33-year-old played his 316th and last game with North Melbourne in the elimination final against Adelaide.
Petrie, also 197cm, hasn't played much in the ruck in the last three seasons at North. He has played a lot of football with Eagles coach Adam Simpson and new list manager Brady Rawlings.
Eagles football manager Craig Vozzo said Petrie would be part of the club's recruitment discussions.
"We are going to have to look at all options and one of those options is Drew," Vozzo said.
"We are considering all options and we haven’t drilled down into a list of one, two, three or four, at this point."
The Eagles are considering Fremantle free agent Zac Clarke and out of contract Docker Jack Hannath.
Out of favour Western Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson, 31, is also set to become a free agent.
Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy has had a minor hernia operation this week after carrying the issue throughout the latter half of the season, but he is fine and is set for a full pre-season.
Matt Priddis is also having a minor procedure on his back after suffering some nerve pain in his lower back and legs during the latter part of the season. But the 2014 Brownlow medallist's pre-season won't be affected as he is expected to back running within four to six weeks.
