West Coast could be set to make the trip to Geelong without star forward Josh Kennedy.

Kennedy is suffering from an ankle complaint after he was seemingly kicked by Collingwood defender Mark Keane last week and could be managed for Saturday's clash at Kardinia Park.

The incident saw Kennedy go to ground and then hobble off before returning to the field.

 

Kennedy's absence would be a body blow to the Eagles who will also make hop on the plane without Shannon Hurn who is at least another week away while Luke Shuey and Liam Ryan are both some time away from a return.

Coach Adam Simpson says that Kennedy is still a chance to play but nothing is certain yet.

“He won’t train today. He’s a bit sore. I think he’s still available. It’s just about whether we rest him or not," Simpson revealed at a press conference on Wednesday.

Simpson confirmed that Kennedy wasn't the only player to not be training, but didn't say exactly who was still sore.

“There will be two or three players that won’t train today, but that will be available for the weekend.

“If they’re right to go, we’ll play them. Our medical team and sports science guys go through their process and we assess the risk, then make a decision from there.”

Despite numerous injury concerns Simpson says he is happy with how his players have stood up, highlighting young forward Oscar Allen, who has been in blistering form alongside Jack Darling and Kennedy.

“I think he’s (Allen) been building for a few years. He has been finding his position and he has had really good support around him.

OSCAR ALLEN
Forward
West Coast
2021 SEASON AVG
10.1
Disposals
4.8
Marks
1.3
Goals

"He’s still growing. He had a good game on the weekend, but it’s very early.

Simpson said that Allen wasn't the only one to have gone up a level when the team needed it.

“Dom is stepping up, Jack Redden is stepping up. Gaff and Kelly are all Australians. Brander is on the wing, we’re getting games into O’Neill.”

Josh Rotham, Tom Cole, Brandon Ah Chee and Kennedy are all listed as tests to play this week on the Eagles' club website.

Meanwhile, Geelong star Patrick Dangerfield appears unlikely for the blockbuster clash with an ankle complaint.

Simpson said the Eagles at this point were planning for Dangerfield to take the field this weekend but wouldn't be disappointed if he was to miss.

“Hopefully if he misses, it’s a one weeker. Our preference is for him to not play, he’s a terrific player. He’s like our Yeo or Shuey. We plan for these guys to play, we’ll just have to see.”