Tim Kelly at West Coast's team photo day on February 1, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

WEST Coast has copped another blow on the eve of the season with Tim Kelly testing positive to COVID-19. 

The gun midfielder will miss the season-opener against Gold Coast on Sunday, while star forward Liam Ryan is again subject to the AFL's health and safety protocols and in doubt. 

It is understood Ryan, who has already had one stint away from the club due to health and safety protocols, has not yet tested positive to COVID-19.  

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Coach Adam Simpson on Monday declared that there were multiple Eagles in addition to Kelly who had become subject to health and safety protocols, without revealing who they were.  

Superstar ruckman Nic Naitanui was one of several Eagles missing at Monday's training session at Mineral Resources Park.

The Eagles have roughly 25 available players to choose from against the Suns and are certain to call on at least one debutant, likely to be defender Brady Hough.

Brady Hough in action during the AAMI Community Series clash against Fremantle on March 6, 2022. Picture: AFL Photos

Wingman Patrick Naish is also a strong chance to be unveiled less than a fortnight after being added to the list via the Supplemental Selection Period.  

The club could also draw on its WAFL top-up players at the first opportunity after selecting 20 players on Monday to be on standby this season.

It is understood Claremont product Logan Young, who will be playing with the Eagles' WAFL team this season, was added to their pool, along with former Eagles midfielder Brayden Ainsworth and ex-Dockers Tobe Watson and Stefan Giro.  

A hard-running midfielder, Young played in the Eagles' intraclub hitout on Sunday and spent a long period training with the club over the summer.

The 20-year-old also attended team meetings regularly during his train-on stint with the club, giving him an understanding of the Eagles' new game style.

Clubs may activate a player from their contingency list to participate in training if they are reduced to 30 listed players due to COVID health and safety protocols.  

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If that number falls below 28 available players, then the club will be able to pick the player to feature in an AFL game.

Clubs will need to prioritise the selection of AFL-listed players where possible.

West Coast's selection crunch has come as Jack Darling returned to training on Monday, running with teammates during a light session at Mineral Resources Park.

The 29-year-old did not appear hampered by the minor foot injury he has returned to the club with, but Simpson has declared he will need to build match conditioning before returning to play.