Injury-plagued St Kilda have some light at the end of the tunnel, with Dan Hannebery and Jake Carlisle making progress in their AFL comebacks.
While it is unclear when captain Jarryn Geary will return from his leg surgery, No.4 draft pick Max King also resumes from last year's knee reconstruction on Sunday in the VFL.
Hannebery (calf and hamstring) and Carlisle (back) are yet to play this season and they are among several big-name Saints who are out of action.
Dylan Roberton will not play this season because of an ongoing heart condition, while Jack Steven is having another break as he deals with a mental health issue.
Hannebery's absence has been a major issue for the Saints after his high-profile and high-price move from Sydney.
But he and Carlisle could resume next month through the VFL around St Kilda's round-12 bye.
"All I can say is he's progressing really well and that's exciting for Dan, it's exciting for us," coach Alan Richardson said of Hannebery.
St Kilda suffered their third loss in a row on Saturday night, but they pushed West Coast and kicked four goals to one in the last quarter.
While the Saints now have a 4-4 record, Richardson noted their successive losses have been to Adelaide and GWS, who are in strong form, and now the reigning premiers.
"I saw no dip (against West Coast) - I saw a group that is committed to a plan," Richardson said.
"There was enormous energy and enthusiasm in the way we prepared for the game, so I've seen nothing in terms of any sort of drop off.
"I'd be surprised and disappointed if that was the case.
"They'll gain some belief from this performance."
Richardson said St Kilda paid dearly for not making the most of their opportunities, particularly when West Coast went on their decisive four-goal run in the third quarter.
"All their (four) goals came on the back of our team not making the best of our opportunities, which was really the night for us," Richardson said.
"We were competitive for big parts of the game against a quality team, but just didn't maximise when we had the footy and we were looking to score or hit a teammate.
"It's just making sure we get our basics right and it will only be fixed by going to work."
Josh Bruce returned to form with 10 marks, seven of them contested, and Richardson was also pleased with fellow key forward Tim Membrey.
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