High Performance Manager Phil Merriman provides an update on West Coast’s returning players
By westcoasteagles.com.au
West Coast veteran Elliot Yeo is only facing a short stint on the sidelines after sustaining a minor adductor injury in the win over Port Adelaide.
Yeo will miss Saturday’s home clash against Sydney but is expected to be available within one-to-two weeks, while co-captain Liam Duggan will test his rolled ankle at training to prove his fitness.
“Elliot felt some awareness in his adductor late in the second quarter against Port Adelaide, so a no-risk approach was taken,” High Performance Manager Phil Merriman said.
“Pleasingly, he has pulled up quite well and is expected to be available in the next one-to-two weeks.
“Liam rolled his ankle late in the game and will need to get through training this week to play.”
Unfortunately, forward Jacob Newton reported foot soreness following the Power clash and is in a moon boot.
“Scans have unfortunately confirmed Jacob has a fracture in his navicular,” Merriman said.
“Over the next few days, we will determine the exact management plan for Jacob but it is likely to be a longer-term injury.”
Fellow small forward Milan Murdock has been given a three-week timeline following his hamstring injury, while recruit Brandon Starcevich is continuing a strength-focused block.
“Building Brandon’s strength remains the priority,” Merriman said.
“He’s building resilience through low‑volume running and we’ll keep progressing him step by step.
“Milan’s desperate to get back out there, but we need to treat the injury with respect and not push too hard.”
Second-year Eagle Tom Gross will be monitored throughout the week as he works through his hamstring recovery.
“If Tom is able to complete training this week he will be available for managed minutes,” Merriman said.
Key defender Harry Edwards remains without a set return date as he gradually progresses through concussion protocols.
“We will be working with Harry to make sure we get the best advice on the appropriate rehabilitation after his recent concussion,” Merriman said.
Matt Owies is available after missing last Saturday’s WAFL practice match due to hamstring tightness.
Ankle
Test
Hamstring
3 weeks
Knee
3-4 weeks
Ankle
4 weeks
Foot
5 weeks
Knee
7 weeks
Sam is continuing his football build. We are seeing him in more and more football activities, whilst also focusing heavily on his change of direction.
Concussion
TBC
Foot
TBC
Knee
Season
Noah sustained a knee injury in the pre-season match simulation against Fremantle. He will unfortunately be sidelined for the 2026 AFL Premiership season.
Read Article
Injury: Ankle
Est. Return: Test
Injury: Hamstring
Est. Return: 3 weeks
Injury: Knee
Est. Return: 3-4 weeks
Injury: Ankle
Est. Return: 4 weeks
Injury: Foot
Est. Return: 5 weeks
Sam Allen
Sam is continuing his football build. We are seeing him in more and more football activities, whilst also focusing heavily on his change of direction.
Injury: Knee
Est. Return: 7 weeks
Injury: Concussion
Est. Return: TBC
Injury: Foot
Est. Return: TBC
Noah Long
Noah sustained a knee injury in the pre-season match simulation against Fremantle. He will unfortunately be sidelined for the 2026 AFL Premiership season.
Read Article
Injury: Knee
Est. Return: Season