GUN recruit Tim Kelly spending more time in attack looms as Adam Simpson's key to unlocking West Coast's round one selection dilemma.
The Eagles' vacant small forward role and a decision on Nic Naitanui's ruck sidekick remain the biggest headaches just 11 days out from the season-opener against Melbourne.
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While Jeremy McGovern is poised to play in defence, forward/ruck Oscar Allen looks set to fall short in his bid to play after a pre-season ankle setback.
Coach Adam Simpson revealed that Kelly playing key minutes as a forward could solve several issues after the loss of Willie Rioli (ASADA ban), Daniel Venables (concussion) and Jarrod Cameron (groin).
"It connects to the loss of Willie and Venables and how can we get more goals out of our mids when they go forward a bit more," Simpson told AFL.com.au on Wednesday.
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"Traditionally we play seven forwards (one on the bench) and our mids never go forward, you don't see Gaff or Shuey forward too often.
"Do we explore that a bit more with Tim? That's something we're working through because that's something he likes doing."
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Simpson flagged the potential of fringe midfielder/forward Brendon Ah Chee grasping an opportunity that hasn't previously been available, while rookie Anthony Treacy hasn't been forgotten.
However, last-minute rookie signings Jamaine Jones and Nic Reid are still some way off – Jones getting his fitness up to AFL standard and Reid returning from a shoulder reconstruction.
Kelly, who spent time between midfield and attack in his two years at Geelong, has played mostly as an onballer in his two practice games for the Eagles, while Dom Sheed is another consideration to play more forward.
"The biggest area we haven't locked away yet are our high half-forwards and it's a big part of the modern game," Simpson said.
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"We've got Liam Ryan, Jamie Cripps and Jack Petruccelle who have established a bit more presence over the last couple of years.
"(Jack) Darling and (Josh) Kennedy are locks and there's one or two spots there that are open for a midfielder or a forward, plus what we do with the second ruck."
Jake Waterman – who played both Marsh Community Series matches – is in the frame with Allen "more unlikely than likely".
The 21-year-old Allen will play in Friday's match simulation that will consist of an hour-long hitout after training drills are completed.
Despite Naitanui having his best pre-season in recent memory, the Eagles will still require a second ruck to fill the void when the 29-year-old big man rests.
He played 51 per cent of game time in the Eagles' first Marsh Series match and 58 per cent in the second fixture against the Dockers last week.
"This is the first year where he's had nine weeks (of training) … we've managed his loads but the base is there," Simpson said.
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"In terms of when he needs a rest, he probably will and his body will tell us, rather than (planning and saying), 'Righto, round five you won't play'.
"It's a unique position for us. You've got the (Todd) Goldstein type (at North Melbourne) who can ruck all day, and you just need a pinch-hit forward.
"We don't need that with Nic, we need a forward who can play 50 minutes in the ruck.
"That's why in the past we've played a (Scott) Lycett, a (Nathan) Vardy, even a Cal Sinclair.
"Bailey Williams, Nathan Vardy, Tom Hickey and Oscar Allen are all options we're working through.
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"It's on form and then what are the best dynamics of our forward line.
"If you've got five smalls that are quick and zippy, maybe you can play the two big ruckmen, that's an interesting one. I'm not locked away on that."
Simpson added that Friday's session would go a long way to proving whether Jarrod Brander assumes the wing role vacated by Chris Masten.
