The West Coast Eagles will be without forward Jamie Cripps for Sunday afternoon's clash against Carlton at Optus Stadium as COVID withdrawals continues to unfold around the league.

The Eagles confirmed on Saturday that Cripps has entered the AFL's health and safety protocols and will be unavailable for the Blues clash, with Luke Foley brought into the starting 22. Xavier O’Neill has been added to the list of emergencies.

Cripps, a premiership player with the Eagles, has played 11 games so far this season, averaging 14.2 disposals and 1.4 goals per game.

The 30-year-old is just one of several players to be forced into the league's health and safety in recent days, with Brisbane being the hardest hit.

The Lions will be forced to be without Daniel McStay, Harris Andrews, Keidean Coleman, Callum Ah Chee and Noah Answerth for their Sunday afternoon clash against Essendon as the depleted side attempts to solidify their hold on a top four spot.

Meanwhile, the Bombers have been forced to travel without Mason Redman, who has also entered the protocols.

Luckless Saint Dan Hannebery, who was set to make his return in the VFL this weekend after failing to play a game so far this season with ongoing calf issues, was another name ruled out through illness as he now settles in for seven days in the AFL's protocols.