WEST Coast midfielder Chris Masten has been cleared of a serious hamstring injury but is still in doubt for the qualifying final against Hawthorn at Domain Stadium on Friday night.
Masten injured his right hamstring during the second term of the Eagles' round 23 win over St Kilda last Saturday. He was immediately subbed out of the game with fears that his finals series might be in jeopardy.
But Eagles coach Adam Simpson said the scans on Masten's hamstring were reasonably positive and it was possible he could play this week.
"(The scans were) really good," Simpson said on Monday.
"(He'll be) touch-and-go this week. But if anything it's a one-weeker from what I can gather.
"It's a six-day break so we have to manage that as well.
"He's probably got to train. If it's touch-and-go I'd probably lean on the ‘probably not’ side, but we're going to give him every chance without taking too much of a risk."
There are several options to replace Masten. Patrick McGinnity was held over as an emergency last week. Scott Selwood and Kane Lucas both played in the WAFL on Sunday, meaning they would only have a five-day break if they were to come into the senior side.
Selwood gathered 24 touches and kicked two goals for East Perth while Lucas collected 30 disposals and also kicked two.
"We managed their time and we made sure we did that really well," Simpson said.
Will Schofield is almost certain to return this week. He has not played since round 20 due to a hamstring strain.
The Eagles' defensive unit has been far from settled since round 16 with Schofield, Sam Butler, Sharrod Wellingham and Jeremy McGovern all missing games at different stages.
Eagles skipper Shannon Hurn said the team had the type of defensive system that could cope with multiple personnel changes.
"I think the beauty is that those blokes have played pretty much all year and we still play the same system through at East Perth and our coaches are good at helping young guys be across it all," Hurn said.
"Of course it's always nice to have a settled team. But we're pretty confident. We understand what we're trying to do. Will's a senior player so he'll fit in quite well."
Masten cleared of serious hamstring injury
Positive scans have Chris Masten an outside chance to face Hawthorn