West Coast coach Adam Simpson says star forward Liam Ryan has literally swum his way into the selection mix for Sunday's AFL clash with Greater Western Sydney at Giants Stadium.
Ryan has been sidelined since suffering a stress reaction in his shin following the round-four loss to St Kilda.
West Coast initially expected Ryan to be sidelined for up to two months, but the 24-year-old has recovered quicker than expected and has even taken up new fitness methods.
"Liam's been swimming, which is new," SImpson said.
"I've never seen him in the pool and then I saw him in the pool and thought, 'what's going on here?'
"He's ready to play if he starts swimming and doing extra cardio like that.
"He trained fully. He's got to get through the week, but I think he'll be available."
Simpson said former skipper Shannon Hurn was also a strong chance to return from the calf injury that has sidelined him since round four.
Midfielder Elliot Yeo (osteitis pubis) is on track to resume playing either just before or after the club's round 13 bye, while Luke Shuey (hamstring) isn't due back until later in the season.
Eagles forward Jack Darling was the hero on Sunday, with his five-goal blitz in the second quarter setting up a 30-point win over Adelaide at Optus Stadium.
West Coast's third win on the trot moved them equal on points with the third-placed Cats.
Adelaide (3-6) have now lost five games on the trot, but they will be boosted by the return of spearhead Taylor Walker for Saturday's home clash with unbeaten Melbourne.
"The plan was for him to be managed for this week," Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks said..
"He's been in some great form, we want to get him back in. I was really pleased with how well the forward line functioned (against West Coast).
"But no doubt Tex is our barometer down there. He's been our best as far as training goes, works with these guys and he'll be back (against Melbourne)."
