FORGOTTEN big man Nathan Vardy could be in line for his first game in 2018 after West Coast ruled out star forwards Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling for Sunday's vital home game against Greater Western Sydney.
While Kennedy (knee) made a brief appearance at training on Monday and completed some light marking exercises, coach Adam Simpson confirmed the dual Coleman medallist and Darling (ankle) would both be missing for a third straight game.
The Eagles' decimated attack was also missing sharpshooter Mark LeCras (wrist) for Saturday's heartbreaking loss to Adelaide, robbing West Coast of its top three goalkickers.
It is unclear if LeCras is in the mix to return against the Giants, while small forward Liam Ryan is in doubt after crashing his car into a tree on Monday morning.
THINGS WE LEARNED Nic Nat can go missing
"I'm not sure on Liam. We'll have to see how the week transpires, but those other two boys (Kennedy and Darling) won't be available this week," Simpson told Channel Seven.
Simpson planned on speaking to Ryan on Monday evening and admitted the high-flying Subiaco product had struggled with some of the demands of elite football this season.
"At the moment, we're just trying to look after his health and wellbeing," he said.
"It's been a big transition for Liam, playing AFL, he's recently had the birth of his baby daughter.
"So just dealing with the AFL system and all those things is something we're working through."
Ryan, who was selected from Subiaco with pick 26 at last year's NAB AFL Draft, has played six games for the Eagles and booted nine goals.
Skipper Shannon Hurn thought Ryan, who has become an instant hit among Eagles fans for his spectacular marking attempts and talents at ground level, had coped with the step up in professionalism at AFL level before his car accident.
"I think he's been able to handle it reasonably well," Hurn said.
"I don't think he's been struggling; I think he's fitted in quite well."
THE RUN HOME How far will the Eagles fall?
Without its twin towers Kennedy and Darling for the first time since 2011, West Coast has employed a makeshift forward set-up in the past two losses to Essendon and Adelaide.
The Eagles have battled to hit the scoreboard – averaging only 65 points in the past two defeats – and intercept marking defender Jeremy McGovern had to be thrown forward against the Crows.
Journeyman tall Fraser McInnes has struggled to grab his chance, booting one goal from a combined 14 possessions.
In need of marking power and scoring options, Simpson could turn to ruck-forward Vardy, who has kicked 35 goals in 47 career games.
Vardy has played the past five WAFL matches for East Perth coming off adductor setbacks and booted two goals from 12 touches, with 57 hit-outs and six marks, in Saturday's loss to South Fremantle.
The 200cm big man performed admirably in 22 matches last year in ruckmen Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett's long-term absences, although it remains to be seen if that trio could squeeze into the same side.
However, Simpson's most pressing issue is stopping opposition run-ons after an opening-term Bombers blitz and a late Crows fightback cost his side dearly.
The Eagles have slipped to 10-4 and their top-four spot will be in serious jeopardy if they can't stop the rot against the Giants at Optus Stadium.
"We haven't played four quarters," Simpson said.
"We've just had bad patches here and there and they've really hurt us.
"Momentum has been difficult to stop. It hasn't been two or three goals, it's been five or six.
"We understand the Giants are going to bring a whole new problem this week as well.
"It's part of the long season, it's part of how we get better and regardless who plays, we need to improve."
