West Coast coach Adam Simpson says Liam Ryan has served his punishment for an early-morning car crash, but the goalsneak now faces a battle to win back AFL selection.
Police are still investigating the incident that saw Ryan crash into a tree in the early hours of July 2.
Simpson revealed on Friday that Ryan's punishment from the club was a two-match AFL ban, which has now been served.
But despite booting three goals in the WAFL last week, the 21-year-old has been overlooked for Sunday's home clash with the Western Bulldogs.
Ryan will line up for East Perth again on Saturday, and Simpson wants to see the small forward produce a strong display.
"The suspension we handed down was warranted," Simpson said.
"Now he's got to earn his spot back."
West Coast were dealt a major blow last week when star ruckman Nic Naitanui tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Naitanui, who tore the ACL in his left knee in 2016, will undergo a reconstruction next week.
Scott Lycett will lead the ruck in Naitanui's absence.
Simpson says he'll use the next month to experiment with different ruck combinations.
Former Cat Nathan Vardy will be used if West Coast opt to play two genuine ruckmen.
Or if they prefer a pinch-hitter, then the likes of Fraser McInness, Jeremy McGovern, Jack Darling, and Elliot Yeo are options.
Vardy was included in the extended squad for Sunday's clash with the Bulldogs.
But with wet weather forecast for the game, Simpson may wait until Sunday before finalising his team.
Lycett was restricted to just one AFL match last season because of knee and shoulder issues.
But Simpson is confident the 25-year-old will be able to manage the workload if the Eagles opt to go with just one specialist ruckman.
"He did a pretty good job on the weekend when Nic went down halfway through the second quarter," Simpson said.
"I'm assuming he can handle the load - eventually play a full game.
"They're the things you work through with your sports science guys and your strength and conditioning about what he can handle ... because it's not just for one week.
"So we've got to be careful. It's not just throw him in the deep end."
West Coast (12-4) enter round 18 in second spot on the ladder, with their eyes set on a top-two finish.
