WEST Coast is hopeful key recruit Liam Baker has escaped with a minor ankle sprain after being forced from the field during match simulation training on Wednesday morning.
Baker, who is still undergoing checks, landed awkwardly during a marking contest and left the field immediately, speaking with trainers and having his right ankle strapped before heading to the rooms.
The injury scare comes just days after star midfielder Elliot Yeo suffered knee and ankle injuries that will likely sideline him for the start of the season.
The Eagles have said they are hopeful he will feature in the early part of the season as they work through his rehab program and a timeline to return.
Baker has been pegged for a backline role during his first season with West Coast, with coach Andrew McQualter keen to utilise his leadership and experience in the back half of the ground after 128 games with Richmond.
The 27-year-old was last week named in the Eagles’ leadership group, alongside ex-Tigers premiership teammate Jack Graham, in a sign of the pair’s early impact since crossing west.
West Coast completed 15 minutes of match simulation on Wednesday during a 90-minute session in the Perth heat, with Baker hurt towards the end.
Former forward Ryan Maric continued to train in defence and impressed with several piercing kicks into the corridor.
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Draftee Malakai Champion had a strong session and was lively as a half-forward, finding space on multiple occasions and showing poise to break a tackle and kick well inside 50.
The Eagles face Richmond in a match simulation on February 17 before taking on North Melbourne in the AAMI Community Series on March 1.
