The final curtain on Josh Kennedy's glittering AFL career could be just weeks away for the sore and battered West Coast "big dog", while discussions about Shannon Hurn's future will be held at the end of the season.
Kennedy is almost certain to retire this year with the club expected to unveil details of a farewell game in the coming weeks.
West Coast finish their season against Geelong at bogey venue GMHBA Stadium on August 19.
Given the venue has been a graveyard for West Coast and is likely to result in another sizeable loss, it seems unthinkable Kennedy would be rolled out for that match.
Instead, the away western derby against Fremantle on August 13 or the home clash with Adelaide a week earlier loom as the most likely options.
Kennedy booted five goals in a match-winning display against Essendon a fortnight ago, but his "grumbly knee" was so sore that he was rested from last week's loss to Richmond at the MCG.
The 289-game veteran will return for Sunday's home clash with Carlton at Optus Stadium and the Eagles will take a week-by-week approach with him after that.
"He needed a week off (last week) and that might not be the last time," Eagles coach Adam Simpson said.
"He's got a few games left in him, but not many.
"It's getting hard for the big dog. We'll look after him the best we can. He's doing everything he can to get right and finish the year off his way."
Kennedy has struggled with his sore knee for some time now, but Simpson praised the way the star spearhead has been able to maintain his high standards.
"He's been a warrior," Simpson said.
"It's probably been the last three, four years he's been dealing with his body. I just don't know how he's got up every week.
"I think he's gotten smarter. He's sort of made up for it."
Hurn has been one of West Coast's most reliable players this season and the 34-year-old appears to be a firm chance to play on next year.
"I'm so happy he's playing good football," Simpson said.
"I actually haven't sat down with him and worked out what we want to do next year and how he sees his future. We'll wait for that."
Star defender Jeremy McGovern walked laps at training on Thursday as he takes the early steps in his recovery from broken ribs.
McGovern spent several nights in hospital following the June 18 collision and faces a race against time to play again this year.
