Josh Kennedy's hopes of winning a third straight Coleman medal have taken another blow after the West Coast forward was ruled out for a sixth successive week.
Kennedy was confident of making his AFL return from a calf tear in Sunday's clash with Port Adelaide at Domain Stadium.
But West Coast's medical staff have decided to take a cautious approach with the star forward, saying he will be ready for next week's western derby instead.
"There are still some training marks that need to be hit, so we will hold Josh back for another week," general manager of football Craig Vozzo said.
"He has not had any setbacks in his preparation, it's just that we have opted to mitigate against any risk with his return."
Kennedy has booted 34 goals for the season, but his injury absence means he has plenty of work to do if he is to win the league's goalkicking award this year.
Lance Franklin and Jeremy Cameron currently top the rankings with 40 goals each, while Joe Daniher (38), Eddie Betts (37), Robbie Gray (35) and Jack Riewoldt (35) are also above Kennedy.
But one thing working in Kennedy's favour is the recent improvement in West Coast's midfield.
The Eagles averaged just 49 inside 50s per game over the first 11 rounds.
But since having a heart-to-heart during the mid-season bye, the Eagles have averaged 58.7 forward-50m entries over their past three games.
West Coast midfielder Luke Shuey says Kennedy will be licking his lips at the extra supply when he returns.
And wingman Andrew Gaff says Drew Petrie and Jack Darling will also benefit from more kicks down their throat.
"We've been hanging them out to dry with 30, 40 inside 50s," Gaff said.
"Now it's up to 50, 60, which gives us more of a chance to win more games.
"It will be great to have (Kennedy) out there.
"He's the most valuable player. There's plenty of time (for him to win the Coleman) with seven or eight games to go.
"He needs to get going as soon as possible. But he brings so much more to the table than just goals.
"His pressure and leadership up there is so important for us."
West Coast will welcome back Matt Priddis (leg) and Shannon Hurn (concussion) against Port Adelaide, while ruckman Scott Lycett has been named on the extended interchange bench.
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