West Coast coach Adam Simpson says Willie Rioli will return to Perth in the coming weeks, but the star goalsneak won't be a part of the club environment just yet.
Rioli's two-year ban for twice tampering with a urine sample ends on August 20.
He will be allowed to train with the club from June 20.
The 25-year-old has been living in the Northern Territory since news broke of his tampering allegations, but Simpson says preparations are being made for Rioli to move back to Perth.
"We'll see Willie around the club in the next two or three weeks," Simpson said.
"I don't think he can do too much until June. He'll get eight weeks of training once he comes back.
"I think initially when he does come back, it will be to get settled around town and maybe get a bit of work somewhere. I think he can catch up with the boys away from the club, but not here."
Simpson said he had been in contact with Rioli "semi regularly".
"He's dealing with some issues at home," Simpson said.
"Unfortunately he's going to too many funerals at the moment. He'll come back when the time's right. It will be in the next few weeks."
The impending return of Rioli will give the Eagles a big morale boost.
Rioli is a favourite character around the club and his teammates have often expressed how much they have missed him since the tampering allegations broke in September 2019.
West Coast's more immediate concern is getting their first road win of the season when they take on Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday.
The Eagles are a perfect 4-0 at home, but they have lost to the Bulldogs, St Kilda and Geelong on the road.
The 97-point loss to the Cats at GMHBA Stadium still hurts and Simpson is keen for his team to play with spirit.
Defender Tom Barrass is a chance to return from a shoulder injury.
