West Coast coach Adam Simpson is keen for Dean Cox's farewell party to get back on track, but says the ruckman needs to play again soon if it is to happen.
Cox missed last week's AFL win over Adelaide due to concussion after being knocked unconscious by Richmond's Ty Vickery eight days earlier.
The 33-year-old has only played 40 minutes of football over the past month, putting his match fitness at some risk.
But Simpson is keen for the retiring veteran to get back into the side, with Cox a strong chance to return for Sunday's season-defining clash with Collingwood at Patersons Stadium.
Cox's likely return could squeeze Scott Lycett out of the team yet again.
Simpson has faced a difficult task all year juggling opportunities for ruck quartet Nic Naitanui, Cox, Lycett and Callum Sinclair.
But given Cox's standing at the club, Simpson is keen to reward the 287-game veteran with a few more appearances.
"If Cox is to play again this year, he's got to play pretty soon. because he's only played one-and-a-half quarter in four or five weeks," Simpson told Perth radio station 6PR.
"He's earned the right to play another few games for the rest of the year.
"I've got no problems with bringing him in to play.
"He's a sensational player, and taken the hit for the team really retiring.
"I think we need to do it the right way."
West Coast sit two games adrift of the top eight, but a win over Collingwood would put them right back into the thick of the finals hunt.
The Eagles looked slick in their 31-point win over Adelaide, and Simpson hopes that form will continue in games against Collingwood, Essendon (away), Melbourne and Gold Coast (away).
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