West Coast forward Jack Darling will miss between four to six weeks with an ankle injury, and he can't help but feel a tad relieved.
Darling suffered a hairline fracture and ligament damage to his right ankle when it rolled at an awkward angle during a marking contest against St Kilda last week.
There were initial fears the injury could be more serious, and Darling was relieved when told he could return to AFL action next month.
"After initially fearing the worst, we've received some reasonably positive news from our doctors, all things considered," general manager of football Craig Vozzo said.
"He'll be out for probably a four- to six-week period, so factoring in the bye he hopefully won't miss too much football.
"Jack is a real professional in how he approaches all facets of his football, so we've got every confidence that he'll be back sooner rather than later."
Darling has been in the form of his life this season, booting 28.11 and taking a league-high 31 contested marks.
The soon-to-be 26-year-old was on track for his maiden All-Australian jumper this season before suffering the ankle injury.
West Coast have a bye this week, before confronting one of the toughest sections of their draw.
The Eagles face off against the Swans in Sydney, before confronting Essendon (home), Adelaide (away), and GWS (home).
Darling's absence means the Eagles will need to rely more heavily on Josh Kennedy, who hit his straps with six goals in last week's 13-point win over St Kilda.
The emergence of Jake Waterman also helps offset the loss of Darling to a small degree.
West Coast sit on top of the ladder with a 10-1 record, and are an excellent chance to secure a top-two finish.
Luke Shuey, who has missed the past four games with a hamstring injury, is set to return against the Swans.
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