West Coast coach Adam Simpson wants to keep all ruck options open ahead of Friday night’s clash with Adelaide.
Simpson revealed the Eagles would travel with all three emergencies as the club considers how best to cover the loss of Nic Naitanui.
Mystery surrounds how West Coast will replace the injured Naitanui, who will undergo a traditional knee reconstruction on Wednesday afternoon. The 26-year-old ruptured the ACL of his left knee late in West Coast’s win over Hawthorn last Friday night.
The Eagles could include Jonathan Giles as a straight swap to replace Naitanui and provide support for Scott Lycett, who also suffered a knock to his knee at Domain Stadium on Friday night.
Other options include adding key defender Mitch Brown, who has already had stints in the ruck this season. Strong forward Jack Darling is another Eagle who could provide a chop out if needed around the stoppages.
Simpson confirmed Lycett would be fine to play and Giles and Brown would travel to Adelaide, but the club was still “working through” the second ruck situation.
“I think Scott's ready to take on the mantle, he's got no choice," Simpson said.
"He's had experience for five or six weeks in that role, under a little bit of duress when he was playing as well, with his body.
"I think he's performed really well this year. I think he's probably had his best season so far and we're keen to see what he's got left in store for us."
“We'll take all three emergencies this week. Giles will travel. We will announce the team tomorrow.
“Sometimes you can replace a ruck with a ruck, by other times you need to see what you can exploit or try differently. That's where we are."
Simpson said impressive defender Tom Barrass has overcome shin soreness and would be available after missing West Coast’s win over the Hawks. He wouldn't guarantee the backman's place in the Eagles' starting 22, however.
The Eagles fly to South Australia on Wednesday afternoon ahead of Friday night’s clash at Adelaide Oval.
