FITTING star Josh Kennedy into a cohesive forward line is a good problem to have for West Coast coach Adam Simpson, who has declared the dual Coleman medallist a certain starter against Gold Coast.
Kennedy pulled up well from a training session under lights at Optus Stadium on Thursday night, and is ready to face the Suns after recovering from pre-season ankle and knee operations.
The 30-year-old, who is just seven goals shy of breaking Peter Sumich's club record of 514 majors, is likely to be on restricted game time, although Simpson denied Kennedy would need to be managed similarly to Nic Naitanui.
"Different athlete. JK's been, from his point-of-view, available for a few weeks now and we've really been holding him back, so he's ready," Simpson said.
"It's a different injury to come back from, not as long term (as a knee reconstruction), so his minutes will be managed to a certain point, (but) we can't have everyone on managed minutes.
"But it's his first game this year and he's going to blow up at some stage. He normally plays every minute of every game, so we might need to look at that.
"He's not even an issue in terms of how do they pull up, whereas Nic was towards round one, how did he pull up from training and high loads.
"That's not JK's issue, he's pulling up really well."
The Eagles have lost exciting small forward Liam Ryan (ankle) for up to three months and Kennedy's return will change the dynamic inside 50.
West Coast relied heavily on the 196cm spearhead last year, however Simpson has more options in 2018.
Mark LeCras, set for his 200th game, is resurgent, youngsters Jake Waterman, Willie Rioli and Daniel Venables are offering pace and enthusiasm while Jack Darling has stood up with nine majors so far.
"I don't think Jack rests on his laurels (with Kennedy in the side), it's just more the chemistry of the forward line and making sure we get a good balance, because he's really stood up in JK's absence," Simpson said.
"His leadership has now gone to another level and the maturity on field, we've all seen a consistent player.
"I wouldn't expect anything different with output and effort, but getting the chemistry right is something that might take a little bit of time.
"We've got to spread the load a little bit and I think we've seen some really good growth in that area this year.
"That's a challenge for us, can we continue to do that with someone with that much presence in our front half."
The Eagles will celebrate dual milestones on Saturday night, with LeCras notching 200 games alongside Naitanui in his 150th match.
Simpson lauded both Eagles for their form in 2018, with LeCras re-establishing himself as a consistent threat after hip issues last year and Naitanui exerting a huge influence on West Coast's midfield.
"I don't think (LeCras)is playing to prove anyone wrong, he's been a pretty consistent player for over 10 years," Simpson said.
"There was a bit of criticism around last year, but that happens. Really glad he's holding up his end of the bargain this year.
"There was a bit of the unknown with Nic because it was so long since he played.
"Although it was just one season, so much had happened with himself and his body and the comeback and then the game.
"The no third-man up rule, that was in after he got injured. So I think that's helped a lot of the ruckmen this year.
"The good ruckmen look really good and they're hard to stop when they get on top.
"That's been a real asset for us and for Nic."
Simpson hinted the Eagles would "look at" targeting Aaron Hall after the Suns midfielder was tagged out of their loss to Fremantle by rookie Bailey Banfield.
