Former Hawthorn skipper Sam Mitchell is set to be parachuted into West Coast's leadership group, while Shannon Hurn is expected to retain his role as captain.
Mitchell's move to West Coast was the bombshell of October's trade period, and Eagles players have relished the chance to pick the brain of the 307-game veteran.
West Coast coach Adam Simpson says Mitchell has fitted into the club seamlessly, and he predicts the 34-year-old is a strong chance to get voted into the leadership group.
"Already he's having an impact around the club," Simpson said.
"He has empathy for the player, and he can educate.
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"When you have a player like that who can extend your coaching ranks on-field, I think he complements our leaders really well.
"He won't be captain. But look, there's a strong chance if he gets voted in by the players, (he'll) be one of our leaders.
"We know his history and credentials as a Hawthorn player. He's settled into the club and the State really well."
Mitchell was lured to West Coast on a one-year deal.
The four-time premiership midfielder is a solid chance to play a second season, before joining West Coast's coaching ranks as an assistant.
The make-up of the leadership group will be voted on in the coming weeks, with coaches and players having a say in the matter.
Hurn has captained West Coast in the past two seasons, and is favoured to hold onto the role, despite speculation Luke Shuey might take over.
Ruckman Scott Lycett is recovering well from knee surgery and is on track to return in the early rounds of the season.
Lycett's early-season absence and Nic Naitanui's knee injury means Drew Petrie is a strong chance to earn game time during the opening rounds.
Petrie will compete with Jonathan Giles and Nathan Vardy for the two available ruck roles.
Simpson said Petrie had trained strongly since joining the club from North Melbourne in November's rookie draft.
"Whether we can get him back to his glory day form will be another question," Simpson said.
"But he's done everything right so far."
Although Naitanui, Simon Tunbridge, and Lycett are still working their way back from injury, Simpson is happy with the overall health of his squad.
"I'd say we'd be slightly in front of last year with injury and numbers on the track," Simpson said.
"There's 30 to 35 (players) who haven't missed a beat. Spots will be hard to get."
Simpson confirmed his intent to expose some of the club's new draftees in the February 18 pre-season clash with Greater Western Sydney at Narrandera Sports Stadium.
