XAVIER Ellis needs West Coast to play finals in order to play again this season after the club confirmed the experienced defender would miss three to four weeks with a shoulder injury.
Ellis badly injured the AC joint in his right shoulder after a heavy fall in a marking contest in the first quarter of Sunday's win over Collingwood.
The Eagles medical staff confirmed on Monday that the former Hawk, who has been a valuable free agency pick-up for West Coast this year, would miss up to a month with the injury.
Teammate Shannon Hurn said on Monday that Ellis is a big loss as the Eagles push for a finals berth.
"He's been a great pick up for us this year with his footy smarts and the way he understands the game," Hurn said.
"It's sad, but unfortunately that's what happens in football.
"He's been playing great footy and he will be missed."
The news is better for Eagles forward Mark LeCras. The 2010 All Australian was a late withdrawal from the clash with Collingwood due to a calf problem and coach Adam Simpson feared LeCras could also miss the vital clash with Essendon on Saturday afternoon.
But provided he passes a fitness test later in the week he should be available to play at Etihad Stadium on Saturday. LeCras famously kicked 12 goals against the Bombers at the venue in round 16, 2010.
