The duo did not fly out with the rest of the team, staying in Melbourne to prove their fitness for the round-13 clash at Subiaco on Saturday.
The news means that emergencies Ryan Gamble, David Wojcinski and Kane Tenace are unlikely to come into team for the clash.
Nathan Ablett has not figured in the Thompson’s calculations since he walked out on the club citing mental burnout in the pre-season, but the coach said he had been encouraged by his last conversation with the tall forward.
“It’s been about three weeks since we’ve spoken and he’s sort of coming around to maybe doing some training at some stage and hopefully, fingers crossed, we’ll get him back,” he said.
Thompson went on to say there was little chance the youngest Ablett would play football at any level this season, but he remained hopeful of a return next year.
Subiaco was the scene of some questionable off the ball tactics against Gary Ablett in round six and the prolific ball winner was targeted again last weekend by Port Adelaide, but Thompson said he hadn’t contacted the AFL’s umpiring department with any concerns.
“I very rarely ring the umpires, I think it’s their responsibility to umpire the game, and I’m sure with the little bit of speculation and exposure it’s had this week that they’ll look after Gary the way all players should be looked after really,” he said.
“We don’t want any special treatment; we just want him to be umpired fairly like the rest of the competition.”
The struggling Eagles have been boosted by the returns of Daniel Kerr, Ashley Hansen, Chad Fletcher and Michael Braun, but Thompson was more interested in the dynamics of his own team.
"This game has got a lot to do with us and not the opponents we are playing," he said.
"Therefore I'd hope we'd go there with a ruthless attitude.
“We look at the opposition and how they play, but we don’t often talk about how bad they’re going or how good they’re going. We really try and concentrate on what we’re doing and our approach.
“Last week’s performance was the best we’ve played in a long while and we’re hoping that [before] we go into the bye next week that we can really finish off this week’s work and play the best footy we can.
“You really don’t know what’s inside the opposition camp’s heads. All we know is that they’ve brought back four really experienced players and it will make their side better, so it’s a better challenge.”
West Coast has been at the centre of tanking speculation throughout the week following the loss to Essendon and Thompson admitted the talk might strengthen the embattled team’s resolve.
“It could, and the tanking thing is a blight on any club,” he said.
“I would never, ever consider doing it. I don’t think many coaches would. They’re a pretty proud club and they would love the opportunity to play Geelong, they’re playing at home, I know the game’s already sold out, so the West Coast Eagles supporters still love supporting their team and that’s a challenge in itself.”
