WEST Coast key defender Mitch Brown will have another traditional knee reconstruction that will require a 12-month rehabilitation.

The club had to delay a decision on what type of surgery Brown would have until the swelling in his left knee subsided from the injury he suffered in round one against the Western Bulldogs.

The Eagles confirmed that Brown would have a traditional reconstruction rather than the LARS surgery, which has a shorter recovery time.

Eagles physio Paul Tucker told the club's website that Brown's recovery should mirror that of teammate Eric Mackenzie, who had the same surgery a month ago.

"Browny's going to go in for a traditional ACL reconstruction at the end of this week," Tucker said.

"He'll pretty much follow the same path as Eric Mackenzie. Obviously we'll have the rehabilitation program the same as Eric but he'll just be a few weeks behind him."

Brown had a traditional reconstruction on his left knee in 2008 when he first ruptured his ACL.

Tucker said the decision to sideline vice-captain Scott Selwood for four to six weeks is a result of ongoing pain in his troublesome ankle rather than any specific damage he has suffered in recent weeks.

"He has some ongoing ankle pain," Tucker said. 

"At the moment we just have to wait and see when the symptoms settle. Once we've got that we'll be able to plan for his return."

Selwood first suffered the injury in round three last season and has had multiple surgeries on the ankle. The ongoing issues are a major cause of concern for the club.

Simon Tunbridge has also been ruled out for up to 12 weeks due to an ankle injury he suffered against Carlton in round two. Tucker said scans revealed a serious high left ankle sprain, and Tunbridge will see a specialist on Thursday to determine an exact timeframe on the injury.

Youngster Damien Cavka is out of a moon boot as he recovers from a foot stress fracture. The Eagles' fourth-round selection in last year's NAB AFL draft will begin a running program that will build up slowly before he is available to play.