SHARPSHOOTER Mark LeCras could play closer to goal next season as West Coast tries to ease its reliance on dual Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy, forwards coach Jaymie Graham says.

LeCras booted 38 goals last year - only seven fewer than his brilliant 2015 campaign – despite spending more time up the ground to support the Eagles' midfield.

But the 30-year-old veteran could revert to a more of a traditional small forward role to boost West Coast's attacking threat.

"He did get up the ground quite high last year and spent some time around the stoppages," Graham told Sport FM. 

"He's very clever and dangerous forward, so it would be good to see him play a little bit closer to goal and I'm sure he'll get his opportunity to do that. 

"It will depend on what the team needs on any given day." 

LeCras, who took a screamer on skipper Shannon Hurn's back at training on Monday, was the Eagles' third-highest goalkicker last season.

Kennedy booted the bulk of West Coast's goals with 82 majors – nearly double Jack Darling's tally (44) - as he clinched back-to-back Coleman Medals.

But after crashing out in a shock elimination final loss when they booted just seven goals at home, the Eagles want to diversify their attack. 

"It's just a matter of getting an even contribution from others in the forward line," Graham said. 

"Mark LeCras is having a good pre-season, as is Jack Darling. We need others to step up, guys like Josh Hill, it's not just all about JK (Kennedy) and I think that's going to be important for our forward line. 

"It's important that guys like Jack and even Jamie Cripps, who has been in good form, they put themselves in dangerous positions also. 

"You don't want to be too Josh Kennedy-conscious and it's important that other guys step up, take their opportunities and be dangerous threats." 

The Eagles are also set to experiment with ruck-forwards Nathan Vardy and Drew Petrie in attack during their upcoming JLT Community Series campaign. 

Vardy averaged a goal per game from 25 appearances in seven injury-riddled seasons at Geelong, where he was used mainly as a marking option inside 50.

Meanwhile, former North Melbourne great Petrie has impressed with his work rate this summer after having his 316-game, 428-goal career extended by West Coast.

"He's been really handy for the squad with his leadership, he's a really experienced senior player," Graham said.

"He is training well, he's fit and he's been training both as a ruckman and a forward."