West Coast coach Adam Simpson has warned his players that careers will be on the line over the next five weeks as he prepares to make some tough calls on his AFL squad.
The Eagles sit two wins adrift of eighth spot and are almost certain to miss the finals after slumping to a 7-10 win-loss record.
Former Bulldogs forward Josh Hill, defender Ash Smith and hard nut Jacob Brennan have struggled for opportunities this season, while several other players are also in danger of the chop at season's end.
Simpson said the next five rounds could make or break the future of a number of players.
"I think we've played 35 or 36 players this year. We'll continue to give some players some exposure," Simpson told Perth radio station 6PR.
"But for the guys whose careers are on the line, it also might be an opportunity to see what they can produce in the next few weeks.
"We'll make decisions on our list towards the end of the season.
"I'm still finding out a lot about our players, and I'll find out more in the next three or four weeks."
Former Magpies midfielder Sharrod Wellingham will be retained despite enduring a tough time since crossing to West Coast at the end of 2012.
Wellingham has been dropped three times this year, and he's unlikely to play again this year after injuring his knee in the WAFL on Saturday.
Fellow midfielder Luke Shuey is in doubt for Saturday's clash with the Crows at Adelaide Oval due to an ankle injury, while ruckman Dean Cox (concussion) may also miss the match.
Cox was knocked unconscious after being struck on the jaw by Tyrone Vickery during last week's loss to Richmond.
Simpson was left fuming by the incident, and was keen to let his feelings known to the football world.
But with the AFL threatening heavy fines for any coaches who speak out about reportable issues, Simpson bit his tongue.
"I did ask the match committee before I went to (the press conference) that if we all chipped in a couple of grand each, we could go to town - we could go as hard as we want," Simpson joked.
Share
