THE DAY-to-day drama surrounding Essendon will not affect West Coast's preparation for Sunday's clash against the Bombers at Etihad Stadium, according to John Worsfold.
The stoic, veteran coach said he was unfazed by the Dons' supplements saga and said nothing would change in his side's build-up for the clash.
"Not really. Our preparation is around just going out and playing good footy," Worsfold said.
"Nothing should change our attitude to going out there to play. It's got to be our strong focus."
The Eagles are likely to regain the services of a number of players this week as the casualty ward at West Coast begins to empty, having run at full capacity for most of the year.
Worsfold ruled out Nic Naitanui and Luke Shuey for this week but both are still in the frame to play again this year.
Daniel Kerr, Adam Selwood and Matt Rosa all returned via the WAFL at the weekend and each of them are a chance to return.
Kerr had 35 disposals and kicked three goals but Worsfold said his return to the senior line-up hinged on how his troublesome knee recovers.
"It pulled up reasonably well," Worsfold said.
"He did have an issue with it during the game, but he played out the game.
"The plan will be that he trains tomorrow, so we'll see how it goes."
Matt Priddis was a late withdrawal from the clash with Gold Coast last Saturday due to quad tightness but Worsfold is hopeful he should be right for Essendon.
"We're confident, but again he's got to prove he's over his injury," Worsfold said.
Mark LeCras and Chris Masten have been spent time on crutches in the past fortnight to due foot and ankle injuries but both have made splendid recoveries are a chance to play this week.
"Masten is moving really well – surprisingly," Worsfold said.
"Our expectation was his first run on it wouldn't have been until this week, but he did that last week and felt good doing it.
"So everything is fast-tracked.
"LeCras is feeling good, so he'll step it up tomorrow and we'll have a look at him."
Worsfold said Naitanui was still in a slow build to return from groin soreness.
"This week would be too soon," he said.
"We can't get him anywhere near what he'll cop in a game in terms of workload to be anywhere near confident that he could get through any more than a half.
"So we need to test him a fair bit more yet."
