West Coast Eagles coach Adam Simpson admits he faces a tough balancing act trying to reintroduce some of his senior players back in to the side following injury.
The Eagles are priced at 50/1 to make the top eight but they sit 1-8 for the season after suffering a 74-point home defeat against reigning premiers Melbourne on Sunday.
The Eagles have had a nightmare on the injury front this season which has contributed to their lack of wins, but there appears to be some light at the end of the tunnel.
Some senior stars are closing in on a return to action but Simpson does not want to rush them back even though he desperately needs them.
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"At the moment we don't have anyone available, so if someone is available it's hard not to play them in the seniors, but we don't want to set them up to fail," Simpson told reporters.
"Someone like Elliot (Yeo), he's played one-and-a-half games all year, he's gone into protocols, he's gone into isolation, he's coming off two weeks of concussion. Gaffy's half a chance. It was a slight quad issue last week and he trained on Saturday. Luke Shuey will be available.”
Meanwhile Simpson has also called for the Eagles fans to stand by them during these difficult times as a disappointing attendance was recorded at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
"One thing I do know is we've had some really good periods as a footy club and we're coming out of a really good era," Simpson added. "I really hope our fans stick by us in challenging times. We really appreciate their support. I know it's been disappointing so far this year, but we like their support, we appreciate the crowds."
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