during a West Coast Eagles AFL training session at Domain Stadium on September 28, 2015 in Perth, Australia.

West Coast's Sharrod Wellingham will miss the first round of the season due to a knee injury.

Wellingham has taken longer to recover than expected from a knock to the knee and is expected to miss the season opener.

“He’s got a knock on his knee that he’s had before. Normally it’s come and gone, but it just hasn’t gone this time,” coach Adam Simpson said.

“He probably won’t play round one.”

Meanwhile, the Eagles are hopeful new recruit Lewis Jetta will be fit for round one, with the former Swan resuming running this week after suffering a calf strain during the NAB Challenge.

It's also good news for teammate Chris Masten, who is recovering quicker than expected from an ankle injury and could return for the derby against Fremantle in round three.