West Coast coach Adam Simpson has confirmed Josh Kennedy won't play during the AFL pre-season, but star defender Jeremy McGovern will be unleashed against Geelong on Friday.
Kennedy underwent off-season shoulder surgery, and had to be "deloaded" after the Christmas break after pulling up with foot soreness.
The 31-year-old is back on running duties, but is yet to join in on full training.
Simpson said the two-time Coleman medallist would miss the pre-season games against Geelong and Fremantle while the club builds him up on the training track.
But Kennedy remains on track to play in the season opener against Brisbane at the Gabba on March 23.
"He's been pulling up well after running," Simpson said.
"I don't think he'll be too far off once he starts getting out on the track. That's all heading in the right direction, and we're pretty confident he'll be right (for round one)."
Small forward Jamie Cripps (toe) has already been ruled out for the early rounds of the season, while Nic Naitanui (knee) isn't due back until round 10 at the very earliest.
But the rest of West Coast's premiership squad are working their way back to full fitness.
McGovern had a plate inserted last month to help heal the ribs he cracked in the grand final.
The three-time All-Australian has been cleared to play against Geelong at Leederville Oval on Friday.
Elliot Yeo (toe) and Luke Shuey (soreness) are other stars who have been given the green light.
"We'll have a strong team this week but it will be about getting some minutes in, so a lot of the guys won't play full games," Simpson said.
"I think we'll start strong and end up with a lot of kids playing.
"We've probably got several players who we need to get between 50-70 minutes out. We'll use that opportunity this week."
Former Magpie Josh Smith has impressed West Coast's coaching staff on the training track and will get a chance to shine against the Cats.
Former St Kilda and Gold Coast ruckman Tom Hickey will also be handed a chance to push for a round-one call-up.
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