West Coast provide update on senior Eagles as stars race to be fit for AFL round one

West Coast will take a cautious approach to star recruit Brandon Starcevich’s return to football as the Eagles gave an update over several stars racing to be fit for round one.

Starcevich has been nursed back into training following a minor ACL tear and then a calf strain with the Eagles listing him as 1-2 weeks away from a return to playing.

It would leave the two-time premiership winner right on the line to be fit in time for their Gold Coast clash on March 15, with high-performance boss Phil Merriman saying they will not rush him in.

“Brandon is progressing as expected through his build,” Merriman said.

“He’s a chance for round one, but given his history, we’re making sure we cover every angle to set him up for an uninterrupted year.”

In better news Liam Duggan is likely to be fit and will return to main training after working through concussion protocals.

“Pleasingly, Liam has progressed through the concussion protocols and will return to main training this week,” Merriman said.

Rising star Reuben Ginbey could also be available for round one, having missed the pre-season clash with a toe injury.

“Reuben will begin his reload this week, and we’re hopeful he’ll rejoin main training with the plan for him to be available for round one,” Merriman said.

The Eagles lost to Port Adelaide by 73 points on Sunday, and while there are holes across the board, the most glaring was in defence, with Power forward Mitch Georgiades kicking six goals, with Harry Edwards suffering a head knock.

As a match-up with Suns star Ben King looms, who kicked six of his own in last year’s meeting against the Eagles, Merrimen said a return to play date for Edwards has not yet been confirmed as he continues to work through concussion protocols.

Up the ground, Tim Kelly and Jack Graham are also in the running, having battled hamstring complaints.

“We’ll work Tim through the gears this week and build him back into the main group next week, aiming for him to be available for round one,” he said.

“We’ll see Jack training with the group this week, and he’s aiming to be available to play in round one.”

It comes as the Eagles will be without new recruit Harry Schoenberg, who accepted his one-match ban for striking Port Adelaide’s Logan Evans in the fourth quarter of their loss.

Ruckman Bailey Williams is set to resume full training for the first time this year, having battled a groin concern over the summer, while Tom Gross and Jack Hutchinson will increase their loads but will all miss round one.

“We are really excited to see Bailey returning fully to the training track this week. He will spend the next few weeks building his football load,” Merriman said.