Star's bump could cost West Coast's forward line against Pies
WEST Coast goalsneak Josh Hill will be hoping for another chance to redeem himself after star forward Mark LeCras was rubbed out of next week's clash with Collingwood at the MCG.
Although the Eagles can challenge the ban without risking a longer suspension, the clear-cut nature of the incident means the club is likely to accept the punishment on offer.
The ban is a blow to LeCras, who had only just returned from a four-week layoff due to a broken arm.
Hill played 42 games during his first two seasons at West Coast, but the former Bulldog has fallen out of favour with new coach Adam Simpson following a string of inconsistent performances.
In his two games for the Eagles this season, Hill has kicked just one goal from 20 possessions.
And although he managed three goals in the WAFL a fortnight ago, Hill was kept to just one goal last weekend despite his side managing an 80-point win.
Although Hill shapes as the only like-for-like replacement for LeCras, he faces a fight to win back his spot.
Utility Pat McGinnity will also come under consideration after kicking two goals from 32 possessions in the WAFL, while Sam Butler is also in hot form.
Defender Shannon Hurn said LeCras would be a tough player to replace.
"His flexibility is very good, and also he's smart and he reads the game quite well," Hurn said on Monday.
"If he's not creating himself, he's still creating space for others. That's really important in today's football to have players like that."
The Eagles (4-4) moved into seventh spot following their mauling of GWS.
A major positive to come out of the game was West Coast's accurate goalkicking.
During their four-match losing run, the Eagles kicked a combined 30.51.
But on the back of Josh Kennedy's 11.0, West Coast returned 30.8 against GWS.
"It's probably a bit of human nature - confidence is a big thing," Hurn said of the recent goalkicking woes.
"If you get a couple under your belt early, you feel pretty comfortable.
"That's the challenge we'll have as a team and also individually - that if things don't go your way early, don't fold under pressure."