West Coast Eagles defenders Tom Cole and rookie Campbell Chesser have been placed on the inactive list in order to open list spots following a disastrous pre-season, with up to five Eagles injured in recent weeks.

Both Cole and Chesser can still be recalled to the senior list later on this season when healthy and given permission from the AFL, but the Eagles have made the tough calls and have looked at the Supplementary Selection Period to top up their injury-riddled squad.

The Eagles now have three list spots available and are likely to sign former Tiger Patrick Naish and former Lion Tom Joyce to the senior list through the SSP before Wednesday's 5pm AEDT deadline.

Naish made a big impact in the Eagles' AAMI Community Series clash against cross-town rivals Fremantle, collecting 14 disposals and kicking a goal after coming on in the second half.

Joyce also impressed on the weekend, collecting 18 disposals and was a key presence in the Eagles engine room throughout the day.

West Coast head coach Adam Simpson spoke on Sunday following his side's loss to Fremantle on the possibility of moving injured players to the inactive list in order to free up space as the SSP deadline looms.

"That's the discussion we've got to have tomorrow," Simpson said.

"Out of respect for everyone who's working through their injuries, we just need to work through what our list looks like in the short-term, mid-term and long-term."

"It's all been a little bit rushed. We lost five players last week and three of them to significant injuries, like four to six-month injuries."

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 25: Campbell Chesser of the Eagles clutches his ankle during an AFL practice match between the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers at Mineral Resources Park on February 25, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

"So we've been caught on the hop a little bit and we just need to take a deep breath in the next 24 hours and the decision needs to be made in the next few days."

The Eagles conducted a meeting with management to look at their options, especially to discuss if Naish and Joyce will be elevated to the senior list through the SSP following their impressive performances on the weekend.

The club has also decided not to place key forward Jack Darling on the inactive list, despite not training with the main group, as he remains unvaccinated and is yet to meet the AFL's vaccine mandate.

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The Eagles have already signed former Fremantle forward Hugh Dixon through the SSP, who looms as a potential replacement for Jack Darling in Round 1.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 25: Hugh Dixon of the Eagles celebrates a goal during an AFL practice match between the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers at Mineral Resources Park on February 25, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

There are still large headaches for Adam Simpson and his team, with injuries to key stars such as Dom Sheed and Elliot Yeo, who will both remain on the sidelines with ankle injuries for the foreseeable future.

Other key players that remain on ice include key forward Oscar Allen, who's battling a foot injury, and Jamie Cripps with a pectoral injury.

Eagles skipper Luke Shuey and classy defender Liam Duggan are also both in doubt for Round 1 with hamstring and knee injuries respectively, compounding a mounting injury list, whilst Alex Witherden has been handed a one-match suspension for his hit on Fremantle midfielder Andrew Brayshaw.

West Coast host the Gold Coast Suns in Round 1 next weekend at Optus Stadium to kick off their 2022 campaign.