AFL ladder-leaders West Coast are set to add even more firepower with star midfielder Luke Shuey firming to return against struggling St Kilda.
The Eagles' sensational form has been all the more impressive considering several of their biggest wins have come without 2016 club champion Shuey, who strained his hamstring during West Coast's round-seven win over Port Adelaide.
Since then, West Coast have beaten Greater Western Sydney away, reigning premiers Richmond at home and Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium, casting aside any lingering doubts about their flag credentials.
Off-contract star Andrew Gaff has played a key role in West Coast's midfield renaissance and was best-afield during Sunday's 15-point victory over the Hawks, gathering 35 disposals, seven clearances, 12 marks and a goal.
West Coast have a six-day break before hosting St Kilda at Optus Stadium on Saturday night - their final game before their midyear bye.
With the 16th-placed Saints having notched just one win for the season, the Eagles could be tempted to give Shuey an extra fortnight of recovery.
But coach Adam Simpson is eager to have the gun onballer back at his disposal and says he is unlikely to delay his return.
"If he's available, we'll play him," Simpson said.
"He's a pretty important player for us. Missing another game and then the bye, it becomes a five or six-week absence from the game, which then could (create) other issues.
"He's a pretty strong (chance)."
The victory over Hawthorn - West Coast's ninth consecutive win - has taken the Eagles a game clear of second-placed Richmond.
Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said it was clear his former assistant Simpson had inspired the Eagles to buy fully into his gameplan.
"The sides that sit in the top part of the ladder are the sides that have genuine belief and trust in their system," Clarkson said.
"We're still building that, but right at the present time, West Coast, that belief and trust they have in one another, they and Richmond are probably the two standouts in that regard."
