Dumped West Coast veteran Andrew Gaff is a chance to return to the senior side for just his second game this season, if hamstrung Luke Edwards misses Sunday’s clash with Richmond.
Gaff was axed by Adam Simpson immediately after their round one defeat to Port Adelaide, where he had just four touches before being subbed out.
But a hamstring injury to Edwards, who has played a wing-forward role this season, could open the door for Gaff to return.
The Eagles have not ruled Edwards out of the Tigers clash with the injury and are still hopeful Ryan Maric will play after heading to hospital on Saturday and completing a non-contact training session on Tuesday.
If Edwards was to miss — who was subbed out with hamstring tightness against Sydney on Saturday — Gaff and returning Tyler Brockman would be the leading contenders to take his place.
Gaff had an equal team-high 25 disposals for the reserves, where he has been playing an on-ball role.
Experienced teammate Jamie Cripps was profusive in his praise of Gaff and declared he will soon return to the side.
“I am so proud of him. He is coming in each week and trying to get better,” he told SEN.
“He has got a few things to work on with his game and I think he is going back — WAFL obviously had a tough loss on the weekend — but he has been standing up each week and showing great leadership for our younger boys and setting a good example.
“I have no doubt we will see him back in the team not too far away.”
Cripps also welcomed the selection pressure a healthier list and AFL players spending time in the WAFL puts on senior players.
“It’s massive this year, compared to other years,” he told SEN.
“Boys can obviously go back, get their hands on the footy, or if boys are getting injured, we have got soldiers that come in and replace them.
“We have got a few boys in the WAFL that can put their hand up and come in, which is nice.”
West Coast will welcome back Liam Ryan through its reserves side this week.