Coach Adam Simpson hopes Andrew Gaff gained an important confidence boost from his strong performance as the sub in West Coast's 38-point loss to Richmond.
Gaff was relegated to the replacement role against the Tigers following a six-disposal display against Brisbane a week earlier.
The 31-year-old came on in the first quarter against Richmond after fellow midfielder Reuben Ginbey succumbed to a hamstring injury.
Gaff finished with 24 disposals - including 12 in the second term - five tackles and two clearances in one of his best displays of the season, despite his side losing 14.14 (98) to 8.12 (60).
"I get the criticism of Gaff, and Gaff's been struggling a little bit. But I thought he was excellent when he came on," Simpson said.
"He's been working his backside off all year, all pre-season, and it just hasn't clicked for him.
"I suspect a bit of it has got to do with how we're going. He complements some other things in our game, and today he got on the inside a little bit.
"It looked like he was on top of the ground, and we still value what he does for us."
Simpson hinted Gaff would be brought back into the 22 for Saturday's match against in-form Carlton at Marvel Stadium.
"He improved today, so it was as much about Gaffy getting the ball but also his confidence that he's still got it," Simpson said.
"Because as a player, sometimes you question it and until you get some evidence it's hard to shake it.
"Hopefully there's some evidence there today."
Star defenders Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass suffered knocks to the head against Richmond, but played out the match and are expected to face the Blues.
Elliot Yeo (hip) is likely to spend at least one more week on the sidelines before being thrust back into action.
"Slim," Simpson said of Yeo's chances of facing Carlton.
"He's training, but I don't think he'll play. Although, let's not rule that out."
Simpson was content with the fight his team displayed against Richmond.
Apart from conceding six straight goals either side of half-time, West Coast largely matched it with the Tigers.
The last-placed Eagles have lost 15 games on the trot, but Simpson is starting to see some promising signs now that a large chunk of his best 22 are back from injury.
"We're still not satisfied with where we're at, but I can see us improving," Simpson said.
"We haven't got the reward yet, but I can see us taking small steps forward after what's been a pretty difficult few weeks."
