DEAN Cox is facing a race against time to represent West Coast again before he retires but coach Adam Simpson says the veteran deserves a fitting farewell.
Cox was cruelly concussed by a hit from Richmond’s Tyrone Vickery in round 18 in his first game after announcing his glittering career would end in season 2014.
Vickery was suspended for four weeks for the incident but it left Cox heavily concussed and unable to play against Adelaide last Saturday.
Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett filled the ruck duties in Cox's absence and both played well in the 31-point win over the Crows. Naitanui had 27 hit-outs and 16 disposals while Lycett had 17 hit-outs, 10 touches and kicked a goal.
Simpson has been juggling the ruck combinations all season in order to try and aid the development of Lycett, who is out of contract at season's end and gaining interest from Port Adelaide.
Simpson told 6PR on Monday night that Cox deserved to play again but time is of the essence.
"We've got to find the balance," Simpson said.
"If Coxy is going to play again this year it's got to be pretty soon. He's played one-and-a-half quarters in three weeks.
"Unless he plays for East Perth to get that fitness up we've got to make a decision on what we do with him.
"I think he's earned the right to play another few games for the rest of the year. I have no problems with bringing him into play.
"He's obviously a sensational player and he's taken the hit for the team really in retiring.
"It's something that he's acknowledged and I think we need to do it in the right way."
The Eagles host Collingwood on Sunday afternoon at Patersons Stadium. Their only other match at home is in round 22 against Melbourne. They play Essendon at Etihad Stadium in round 21 and finish the season at Metricon Stadium against Gold Coast in round 23.
