The trio are in the Dogs' best 22 if fit and Eade would dearly love to have all three up and running in September, but given the length of their time out of the game, the coach faces a difficult challenge in bringing them all in without upsetting team balance.
"I think we can crystal ball, but get it wrong so I don't really want to say too much. You'd like to think we can get at least two of them back at some stage," Eade said on Friday.
"It depends what game it is. We probably couldn't afford to do it in one game, but circumstances might present themselves, you never know with injuries or whatever the case may be, so we'll just have to wait and see."
West, 33, has not played since round six due to knee tendonitis; Higgins, 20, has been sidelined since injuring an ankle in round two, and 22-year-old tall defender Williams has a shoulder injury that has ruled him out since round 13.
West and Higgins will return via Williamstown in the VFL this weekend, and Eade said their availability for the senior side in round 21 hinged on both their performances during and their fitness after the match.
"It's been a bit unfortunate for Shaun really; he was starting to get some form in the VFL having played three or four games and missed the last two which has been a bit of a setback for him, but it's Westy's first game so hopefully he can come through okay," Eade said.
"We'll have to wait and see how he pulls up and how his form is. We'll just work out what's best for him and best for the team. He may play another one at Willy, he may come straight back in.
"We'll just have to work out that situation [as it occurs]; I don't want to pre-empt it too much."
With Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead almost certain to be waiting for the Bulldogs in the first week of the finals, Williams is arguably the most important player of the three, with Eade committed to bringing the key defender straight back into the AFL side when fit.
"Tom is an outside chance for next week, but we'll probably err on the side of caution and not play next week and, fingers crossed, he'll be right to play in round 22," he said.
Eade was quizzed on the club's intentions for West beyond this season, but the coach was in no mood to entertain the query.
