West Coast coach Adam Simpson has been buoyed by a competitive performance in the loss to Essendon as he prepares to welcome back a trio of key midfielders - headlined by teen star Harley Reid.
No.1 draft pick Reid completed his two-match suspension when he sat out of Sunday's 19.8 (122) to 13.14 (92) defeat by the Bombers at Marvel Stadium.
It was the Eagles' fourth-straight loss - and seventh from as many interstate trips this season - leaving them third-last on the ladder with a 3-11 record.
But Simpson was quick to point out positive signs for West Coast after they held their own in the contest and territory battles, and had as many shots on goal as their third-placed opponents.
The plucky visitors got within four points of Essendon late in the third quarter, but were outclassed in the final term.
"We're glass half-full," Simpson said post-match.
"I know three wins is not great for our supporters but we're chasing the long game here.
"Next week we should have really good availability ... and we're still trying to be competitive in some of the basics of the game.
"So as much as it might not look like we're developing too much, I think we are.
"We're growing and it's just going to take a bit of time."
Along with Reid, senior midfielders Tim Kelly (hip) and Dom Sheed (hamstring) are in the frame to return against Hawthorn at Optus Stadium on June 30.
Reid will have been out of action for 29 days because his suspension straddled the Eagles' mid-season bye.
"He's pretty keen," Simpson said.
"I don't know how well he's handled it when you do your match sim on Thursday and he's in the other team.
"He's got to pay his dues while he's not playing, but we're looking forward to getting him back.
"I don't think we'll put any more pressure on than what (the media) will, but he'll just go out and play.
"He wants to play to win and play with his mates, so we'll see him next week."
Liam Ryan filled a gap in the midfield against Essendon and gave a promising performance, gathering career-high tallies of 19 disposals and six clearances.
Eagles co-captain Oscar Allen completed a successful return from a long injury lay-off.
Allen created plenty of chances and finished with 2.4 alongside Jake Waterman (three goals) and Jack Darling (two) in a tall forward-line.
