West Coast Eagles forward Jake Waterman leaves training track early with injury concern ahead of Geelong clash

West Coast forward Jake Waterman has sent a scare through the Eagles camp, limping from the training track early with what appears to be a quad concern. Waterman left the session during match simulation at at Mineral Resources Park on Wednesday morning and tested out his right leg before departing for the changerooms with a trainer. The 27-year-old managed to jog from the field but was in clear discomfort ahead of a crucial clash against Geelong at Norwood Oval on Sunday. Waterman has been the leader of the Eagles’ new look forward line, kicking nine goals in four games including four in their upset win over Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval in round three. He was in doubt leading into that game with a leg concern, but showed no signs of discomfort since. Waterman was restricted to only eight games last season after he sustained a serious shoulder injury in the round 11 defeat to Adelaide, which required surgery. It comes as star midfielder Elliot Yeo put his case forward for a recall after missing the 128-point loss to Sydney with a groin issue. Yeo was sidelined at half time of the win over Port Adelaide last month and was listed as a test for this week given his history of soft tissue injuries. The premiership star looked at his powerful best as he completed training alongside teammates including the short match simulation drill. Yeo and fellow midfielder Deven Robertson — who missed the Swans game with suspension — would be vital inclusions in the engine room to help out young superstar Harley Reid, who was heavily tagged by stopper James Jordon on Saturday. The dual All-Australian spent time late talking to medical staff and will be desperate to be on the plane to Adelaide tomorrow for the Gather Round clash. Yeo did not play at all last season because of a serious ankle injury and had played only 27 games from 2020 to 2022 because of a series of soft tissue injuries. “Elliot has given himself every chance to be available this week,” Eagles high performance manager Phil Merriman said on Tuesday. “We will just make sure we are comfortable with him at training this week.” Co-captain Liam Baker did not take part in training but is expected to be fit to face the Cats. Second-year Eagle Jacob Newton has gone in for season-ending surgery on his foot, joining fellow small forward Noah Long (knee) on the long-term injury list/