West Coast coach Adam Simpson has thrown a lifeline to struggling midfielder Lewis Jetta, saying if he can return to his damaging best he is a strong chance to reclaim a regular spot in the Eagles side this season.
The 2012 Sydney premiership winger has been dropped twice already this season, was dumped three times last year and has only made a total of 14 appearances for West Coast since leaving the Swans at the end of 2015.
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The nippy winger was dumped after only nine touches against North Melbourne in the Eagles season opening win at Etihad Stadium in March and again after only 14 touches in a round three loss to Richmond at the MCG.
Simpson said the out-of-touch Jetta would continue to play for alignment outfit East Perth until he turns in a consistent batch of performances to warrant a recall.
"I don't want to keep bringing him in and out of the side with hope," Simpson said.
Jetta sat out of action last weekend as East Perth had a bye and only collected 17 possessions in his last outing for the Royals a fortnight ago.
The 28-year-old averaged just 13 disposals an outing in 12 games for the Eagles last season.
He is an unlikely candidate to play against an attacking Western Bulldogs in Friday night's blockbuster in Perth to launch round eight.
![Lewis Jetta needs to find form at East Perth to earn a recall.](/web/20170513064705im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/v/b/9/8/n/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gw2h9p.png/1494516747797.jpg)
"I want some good form at reserve level and if he can get that going we'll bring him back," Simpson said.
"We got him for a reason, to play seniors and help our speed and our run and carry.
![Jetta has failed to fire since switching to the Eagles from Sydney.](/web/20170513064705im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/o/q/9/u/o/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gw2h9p.png/1494516747797.jpg)
"Obviously that hasn't been quite delivered yet.
"But we've still got hope and we think there's still another opportunity for him to have impact on the season."
![West Coast and Fremantle are targeting Adelaide forward Mitch McGovern.](/web/20170513064705im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/i/p/t/t/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gw2h9p.png/1494516747797.jpg)
But, while Simpson has kept the selection door open for Jetta to garner a recall, he baulked at joining the conversation surrounding the possible recruitment of Adelaide forward Mitch McGovern.
The younger brother of West Coast's All-Australian key defender Jeremy McGovern is out of contract at the end of this season and looks certain to move back to his home state to join West Coast or Fremantle if he decides not to recommit to Adelaide.
![Mitch is the younger brother of West Coast key defender Jeremy McGovern.](/web/20170513064705im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/w/2/h/s/r/image.related.articleLeadNarrow.300x0.gw2h9p.png/1494516747797.jpg)
"Look, it's something that's in the background," Simpson told Fox Footy.
"Honestly, it's not my job at the moment to be looking at those things.
"We do have list management committee meetings every two or three months.
"We will go through all of that stuff in back office.
"It won't be something we'll be doing through the media."
However, Simpson did disclose that an important bunch of injured Eagles are on the verge of playing returns which would add critical depth to his options as West Coast approach their round 13 bye.
Veteran ruckman Drew Petrie is on the brink of resuming from a broken hand while aggressive forward Jamie Cripps (ankle) and defender Jackson Nelson (broken wrist) are tipped to resume over the next fortnight.
Cripps, 25, had initially been expected to miss up to two months when he hobbled out of the Eagles humiliating 50-point thumping from Hawthorn at the MCG three weeks ago.
Emerging on-baller Liam Duggan is close to a return against the Dogs after he missed West Coast's spirited away win against Port Adelaide on Saturday with a corked right thigh.
"It's really exciting to think about some of the injured players we might be getting back," Simpson said.
"We think those four or five players can really compliment our side, we know we need to have the depth."
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