Key Eagles duo pressing for AFL return

West Coast spearhead Josh Kennedy and ruckman Scott Lycett are hoping to return to face Geelong next Thursday.

Josh Kennedy of the West Coast Eagles

West Coast spearhead Josh Kennedy and ruckman Scott Lycett are hoping to return against Geelong. (AAP)

Struggling West Coast could receive key reinforcements after their bye, with spearhead Josh Kennedy and ruckman Scott Lycett pressing for an AFL return.

The seventh-placed Eagles are in desperate need of a spark after consecutive losses to Essendon, Greater Western Sydney and Gold Coast.

They will regroup during this week's bye ahead of an important clash with Geelong at Domain Stadium next Thursday night.

Dual Coleman medal winner Kennedy suffered a calf injury against the Giants but is hoping to return for the Geelong game.

He was sorely missed against the Suns, with forward partners Jack Darling and Mark LeCras held goalless and well down on their best.

"I'll start doing a bit of training towards the end of the week and over the weekend and then we'll push for that," Kennedy told Perth radio station 6PR.

"Hopefully I'll get up and be ready to go next Thursday, but if not, we've got another 10 days after that so I should be fine.

"The club is always conservative. Players always want to play a lot earlier than the docs and physios are saying ... whether I play or not, I couldn't tell you but I'm hoping to be back for Geelong."

Lycett played for East Perth in the WAFL on Monday for the first time since injuring his shoulder during the pre-season.

With superstar big man Nic Naitanui ruled out for most - if not all - of the season after undergoing a knee reconstruction, Lycett could help to solve the Eagles' ruck woes.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a strong season last year and is likely to offer more physicality than stop-gaps Nathan Vardy and Drew Petrie.

East Perth also have a bye this weekend, meaning Lycett won't have the opportunity to build further match fitness, but the Eagles may be tempted to bring him straight back given their poor recent form.


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Source: AAP



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