Bailey Williams has described Reuben Ginbey's serious quad injury as flattening, but he's backing the inexperienced Eagles to continue displaying plenty of heart without their "barometer".
Ginbey will miss a sizeable chunk of football after tearing his left quad in last week's loss to Port Adelaide, but the fact he's avoided surgery means there's still hope he'll play again this year.
The 21-year-old had been in All-Australian form, and his injury means extra heat will go on the likes of Tylar Young, Rhett Bazzo and potentially Brandon Starcevich to hold down the key defensive posts.
West Coast are still without Harry Edwards, who has suffered three concussions in 2026, while Jeremy McGovern (concussion) was forced to retire last season and fellow star back Tom Barrass was traded to Hawthorn the previous year.