WEST Coast youngster Dom Sheed has been ruled out of the Eagles' clash with St Kilda on Saturday due to a fractured hand.
But in better news, vice-captain Scott Selwood looks set to play his first game since round one after recovering from an ankle injury.
Sheed suffered the minor fracture in the Eagles' win over Gold Coast last Saturday night.
Coach Adam Simpson said the club initially did not think the injury was serious, but after further assessment it was decided that the young midfielder needed to sit out for one or two weeks.
The 19-year-old, who was the Eagles' first-round pick in the 2013 NAB AFL draft, has played every game so far this season after playing just 10 in his first season.
"We could've got away with it but it's not worth the risk," Simpson said on Thursday.
"We've been really pleased with his progression.
"Every week I see something extra that he does in the game. He's learning a lot from Pridda (Matt Priddis). But unfortunately he's got a sore hand and can't play but he's definitely not out of the side because of form."
Selwood looms as Sheed's likely replacement with Simpson declaring the vice-captain will travel to Melbourne despite not having played football at any level for six weeks.
"We've got to see how he pulls up this afternoon," Simpson said.
"He'll travel. We'll see how we go. I still haven't got a full report yet but he's definitely in the mix.
"We've been quite cautious about how we brought him back. So whether we play him this week or not, he's ready to go.
"He's been training fully for at least two weeks.
"I'm not expecting when he comes back he's going to dominate the game but he's our vice-captain and he's in our best 22 so he'll find a way. It might take a little bit of time but we're patient."
Simpson confirmed that key defender Jeremy McGovern would return to the side after missing last week with a corked calf.
"He's fine," Simpson said.
"He trained today. Unless he pulls up terrible tomorrow, he's in.
"We've got one tall defender at the moment. I don't think you can sustain that. We got away with it last week but our preference is to play two."
Simpson said young key defender Tom Barrass would also travel with the team and is a chance to make his debut. The 19-year-old is yet to play an AFL game after he was drafted with pick No.43 in the 2013 NAB AFL draft.
"We're looking at young Tom Barrass," Simpson said.
"He's coming along and progressing really well in the twos. Whether he is ready or not, we're not quite sure, but he's not far away. He'll travel with the team."
West Coast's WAFL affiliate East Perth has a bye this weekend and Simpson said it is a frustrating situation for the players who need to get games under their belt.
Xavier Ellis is now a week behind is recovery after playing in the WAFL reserves last week following nine weeks out with a hamstring injury.
"He would have played this week at WAFL level, but unfortunately he won't," Simpson said.
"He'll have to go a week behind in his preparation."
