West Coast coach Andrew McQualter says the club will not place injured star defender Jeremy McGovern on the inactive list as he is set to face the AFL Concussion Panel next week.
McGovern has suffered multiple concussions throughout his illustrious career, but his latest head knock in Round 8 against Melbourne has put his time in the game in jeopardy.
McQualter was asked if the Eagles would move McGovern to the inactive list to create room for a second mid-season pick, which was dismissed, as he revealed the plans for Wednesday's Mid-Season Draft.
"The mindset we have is to take the best player available," McQualter said.
"I'm a little bit involved. We've got a great team together that's putting in a power of work into it. We're going to have at least one pick in it, which is awesome.
"And whoever we bring, we really look forward to it."
West Coast has been heavily linked with draft bolter and Richmond VFL player Tom McCarthy, who has risen in recruiters' expectations in 2025.
McCarthy joined the Tigers - which has become a footy factory in recent years - ahead of the 2024 campaign, and has impressed in his 22 outings, playing through the midfield and across half-back.
Following a stirring maiden victory of the year against St Kilda in Round 10, McQualter and the Eagles turn their attention to Adelaide, and its three-pronged attack.
In the absence of McGovern, West Coast will rely upon youngsters Harry Edwards and Sandy Brock, while captain Oscar Allen could be deployed in defence to combat Taylor Walker, Riley Thilthorpe and Darcy Fogarty.
"No different," McQualter said of its defensive planning.
"We have injuries every week. Players unavailable. We understand that key back is a shallow position for us, but we've got guys improving and playing that spot every week.
"I think Harry (Edwards) and Sandy (Brock) played really good games of footy last week, and keep building their craft, and build some stocks there as well."
Rhett Bazzo is also staking claims to return to the senior side after an impressive month in the WAFL, which could offer Allen flexibility on Sunday.
"He's definitely around the mark and he's improving every week," McQualter said of Bazzo.
"He missed a lot of football, but he's played maybe four or five games in a row now, four full games, and he's training well. So he's starting to put himself in a position where he's ready to go."
The Eagles will be forced into at least two changes, with small forward duo Jamie Cripps (knee) and Matt Owies (calf) likely to be out for a month.
