West Coast's ability to cover the loss of Nic Naitanui and Andrew Gaff during the finals will receive an early test during Sunday's AFL clash with Melbourne at Optus Stadium.
Naitanui will miss the next 12 months with a knee injury, while Gaff can't play again this year after copping an eight-week suspension for his punch on Fremantle's Andrew Brayshaw.
Last week's after-the-siren win against Port Adelaide was the first time this year the Eagles were without both Naitanui and Gaff.
But it wasn't until Port Adelaide lost star ruckman Paddy Ryder to injury in the third quarter that West Coast were able to turn the match on its head.
The game against Melbourne represents another big test of whether West Coast can cover the loss of Naitanui and Gaff.
The Demons boast the most in-form ruckman of the competition in Max Gawn, while Melbourne also possess plenty of midfield stars.
How Eagles ruckman Scott Lycett fares against Gawn will be a big interest to West Coast's premiership rivals.
"He's had a heap of growth," Eagles defender Jeremy McGovern said of Lycett.
"I think his aggression in the contest has been really good.
"That's what you need from your ruckman - a bit of aggression in the middle.
"Nic definitely brought that, and Scotty is bringing that into his game.
"Gawny is probably the No.1 ruck in the comp. It will be massive for Scotty and (Nathan) Vardy, and a good opportunity for them."
Melbourne's finals hopes were dealt a huge blow on Tuesday when star forward Jesse Hogan was ruled out for the rest of the year with a foot injury.
West Coast will also be wthout a spearhead, with Josh Kennedy to miss his fourth straight match because of a hairline fracture in his shin.
West Coast need just one more win to guarantee themselves a top-two spot and two home finals.
Melbourne (12-8) need to win one more game to guarantee themselves a finals berth.
