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LeCras no certainty to earn Eagles recall

West Coast coach Adam Simpson will have a major headache this week as eight senior players push for AFL recalls.

West Coast Eagles veteran Mark LeCras
West Coast's Mark LeCras is no guarantee to earn a recall for Sunday's AFL clash with Port Adelaide. (AAP)

West Coast veteran Mark LeCras is no guarantee to earn a recall for Sunday's AFL clash with Port Adelaide despite recovering from his recent hip injury.

LeCras' form dropped off dramatically last month while he battled the niggle, with the 30-year-old going four straight games without kicking a goal.

It was LeCras' longest goal drought in his 188-game career, and it led to his omission from the side.

After two weeks on the sidelines, LeCras is now back to full fitness.

But the 2010 All-Australian faces a fight to earn back his spot in the senior side as another seven players also push for a recall.

Shannon Hurn (concussion) and Matt Priddis (soreness) are expected to earn immediate recalls, while Josh Kennedy (calf), Will Schofield (hip), Jackson Nelson (hamstring), and Josh Hill (illness) will also be pushing their case.

Ruckman Scott Lycett, who tallied 67 hit-outs in the WAFL over the weekend, is also in the selection mix after making it through four games unscathed since undergoing shoulder surgery.

LeCras was one of West Coast's most dangerous forwards several years ago, but his currency has dropped in recent seasons.

And the strong form of Malcolm Karpany, who booted three goals in last week's win over the Bulldogs, means it will be tough for LeCras to squeeze back into the side.

Eagles coach Adam Simpson said he'd have several selection headaches this week, with LeCras being one of them.

"His form was a little bit down the last couple of weeks before he went out of the side," Simpson told the Seven Network.

"You don't want to make too many excuses for players, but he was carrying an injury.

"He's injury free now. He'll be available to train all week.

"It's going to be tight at match committee, but if he's available, we'll definitely look at him."

Veteran defender Sam Butler will miss several weeks with a hamstring injury, but Sharrod Wellingham is expected to be available despite copping a heavy cork against the Bulldogs.

Kennedy has missed five weeks with a calf injury but Simpson said the two-time Coleman medallist will be picked against Port Adelaide if he can get through training this week.

"He came and put his magnet on the board today. He hasn't done that for five weeks," Simpson said.


3 min read

Published

Source: AAP



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