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AAP
AAP
Sport
Justin Chadwick

McGovern, Kelly set to boost West Coast 'green shoots'

West Coast coach Adam Simpson says Jeremy McGovern (l) is a strong chance of returning from injury. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

West Coast are set to be boosted by the return of Jeremy McGovern and Tim Kelly as coach Adam Simpson looks to pair his "green shoots" with some more senior players for a daunting trip to the Gabba.

McGovern hasn't played since tearing his hamstring in round three, while Kelly missed last week's brave eight-point loss to St Kilda due to illness.

Kelly will slot straight back in for Saturday's clash with third-placed Brisbane at the Gabba, while Simpson rates McGovern a strong chance to return.

The Eagles will wait until later in the week before making a call on forward Jack Darling, who was subbed out against St Kilda with a shoulder injury.

West Coast's three most recent games on the road have resulted in triple-figure losses, and they face a huge challenge against a Brisbane outfit that are on an eight-match winning streak at the Gabba.

The Eagles side that lost to St Kilda in Perth featured seven teenagers and nine players in total who were 20 years or under.

Their youthful exuberance during the game played a crucial role in West Coast almost pulling off one of the upsets of the season - just a week after losing to Sydney by 171 points.

The return of veteran duo Shannon Hurn and Jamie Cripps against the Saints was also crucial, and Simpson is hopeful the addition of Kelly and McGovern will further stabilise and strengthen the side.

"I just think with the group we've got, we're (either) quite old and mature, or very, very young," Simpson told Ask Simmo on the club's website.

"Getting that synergy piece is going to take a bit of time.

"It just seemed to gel a bit better on the weekend. The younger players brought the enthusiasm and then the leaders, trying to be really clear about what they need to do (is important).

"Sometimes you get that wrong when there's only four or five of you on the ground, but Hurn and Crippa coming back - just an extra couple of players - the balance felt better on the weekend."

Simpson was happy to see his players express themselves against St Kilda following a torrid period in which the club copped four triple-figure losses in the space of eight weeks.

"It's been a tough month," Simpson said. "(We've been) trying to work towards the light.

"And then getting some green shoots on the weekend with the effort and the kids coming through, and the leaders getting rewarded for all the work they're doing (was good).

"We didn't win, that was the disappointing part. But the pleasing part is it was a step forward from the week before."

West Coast (1-14) are on a 13-match losing streak and are hot favourites to take out the wooden spoon.

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