MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 04: Jeremy McGovern of the Eagles marks the ball during the 2019 AFL round 20 match between the Carlton Blues and the West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium on August 04, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
West Coast will be without Jamie Cripps, Jeremy McGovern and Liam Ryan for some time after the club confirmed injuries to the trio, with both McGovern and Ryan likely facing hamstring surgery.
Cripps underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a broken ankle suffered in Round 3, just one of several Eagles to have their day cut short in the Derby.
Campbell Chesser (knee) and Alex Witherden (concussion) will both be forced out of the team, alongside Ryan who is facing an extended stint on the sidelines.
West Coast General Manager of Football, Gavin Bell, confirmed that both Ryan and McGovern would likely undergo surgery after scans confirmed their injuries.
“We were proud of our players' spirit and determination in difficult circumstances against Fremantle, albeit disappointed not to get the result we were hoping for,” Bell said.
“Unfortunately, from that match we've had some bad luck on the injury front, largely stemming from collision injuries which we all accept are part of the game.
“Jamie Cripps underwent surgery on his broken ankle today, while Jeremy McGovern and Liam Ryan will likely require hamstring operations, which is really disappointing after they all completed excellent pre-seasons.
“After a heavy landing from a marking contest, Liam felt he was capable of returning to the field and his desire to help the team with interchange rotations was admirable.
“The expectation is Luke Shuey and Alex Witherden will return in the short-term, while Campbell Chesser's timeframe to play again will be assessed in due course.
“Unlike last season, we have much better availability amongst our squad after 14 AFL-listed players represented the WAFL Eagles in their win over Subiaco on Saturday.
“We're really confident in those players stepping up to play roles as required and, while we'll do everything we possibly can to support our injured players' welfare, the team and coaches led by Adam Simpson are quickly refocusing on taking on Melbourne.”
The Eagles' injury list now currently sits at 12, though Elliot Yeo is expected to be available to return this week from a calf injury.
West Coast will take on Melbourne on Sunday, April 9 at Optus Stadium.