THE SELECTION squeeze is about to tighten at West Coast, with spearhead Josh Kennedy and speedster Lewis Jetta taking small steps closer to qualifying final comebacks at Wednesday training.
During a one-hour skills session, Kennedy was put through his paces by forwards coach Jaymie Graham in non-intensive repeat effort goalkicking drills and one-on-one marking contests.
The dual Coleman medallist showed no signs of any problems with the hairline fracture in his shin which kept him sidelined for the past five games.
However, Kennedy is still easing his way back and is likely to be on light duties on Friday before ramping up his program next week.
"I feel really good," Kennedy told 6PR.
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"I've just got to get through training, which I will on Friday, and then we'll kick into a normal week.
"There's no reason why I wouldn't play unless I don't get picked, unless Simmo (coach Adam Simpson) puts me in the twos."
Kennedy has snared 34 goals in 11 games this year and his inclusion alongside leading goalkicker Jack Darling (42 in 18 games) against Collingwood's undermanned backline would be a shot in the arm for West Coast next Saturday night.
The Eagles lost only once, by 15 points to Sydney at the SCG in round 13, with Kennedy in the side during the home-and-away season.
He also boasted the second-best goals per game average (3.1) behind Swans superstar Lance Franklin (3.2).
Kennedy's comeback is likely to force impressive two-game tall Oscar Allen out of the line-up after an encouraging 14-disposal, six-mark performance against Brisbane.
Jetta was managed from the Gabba trip due to a calf niggle but will be ready to return against the Pies, leaving the Eagles' match committee with a tough selection call – probably between backmen Tom Barrass and Will Schofield.
The Pies are nimble and relatively small in attack, apart from 211cm giant Mason Cox, and the Eagles might drop a tall defender.
After a rollercoaster year, midfielder Dom Sheed appears to have solidified his spot with 31 and then 30 possessions in the past two matches.
Fringe players Brendon Ah Chee, Jake Waterman and Jack Petruccelle will have the chance to push their cases this Sunday against Claremont after East Perth qualified for WAFL finals with victory over Peel.
West Coast enjoys a short injury list, although stars Nic Naitanui (knee) and Andrew Gaff (suspension) and experienced backman Eric Mackenzie (toe) are done for the season.
