Former West Coast and Essendon forward Alec Waterman could secure a third chance in the AFL and a second with the Eagles following a potentially serious injury to spearhead Jack Darling last week.
Darling suffered an ankle injury at training last Friday and has since been sent for scans, with West Coast bracing for what could be a significant injury to their premiership forward.
The 30-year-old was assisted off Lathlain Park and seen to be in agony after the training mishap, sparking further fears of an injury-riddled campaign for the senior Eagle.
Darling battled both rib and foot injuries throughout last year, but was forced to play feeling "really underdone" given the club's list struggles with COVID complications and further injuries to key personnel.
The veteran's latest setback comes just days out from the Supplemental Selection Period deadline, with West Coast set to weigh up potentially moving Darling to the long-term injury list should scans confirm the worst for Darlin's ankle injury.
According to The West Australian, recently delisted Bombers forward Alec Waterman is seen to be the frontrunner to land a list spot with the Eagles should Darling be placed on the inactive list.
Waterman was cut from Essendon at the end of last season after 22 games in two seasons in the red and black, having first joined the club as an SSP signing in 2021.
The 26-year-old has since returned to West Coast as a squad member of their WAFL side, linking up with the Eagles six years after departing the club following a spell on their senior list.
The son of premiership Eagle Chris, Waterman didn't feature for West Coast's AFL side during his two years on their list, but could now be in the frame for a second chance with the Perth powerhouse following Darling's injury.
Waterman booted 27 goals during his time with Essendon, which included nine games with two or more goals and two hauls of four goals.
The medium-sized forward has added to West Coast's training program over the summer to help with their depth to best prepare for the season ahead, still managing to have an impact on goal.
He could link up with brother Jake in Adam Simpson's forward line, which will likely heavily rely on emerging tall Oscar Allen should Darling be sidelined for an extended period.
Simpson could also call on ruck-forward hybrid Bailey Williams to take on a more permanent role, while Callum Jamieson and Jack Williams may also be in the mix.
AFL clubs have until Wednesday to sign players through the SSP.
