LUCKLESS West Coast veteran Eric Mackenzie is finally ready to resume his stalled career after stress fractures in both feet.

The forgotten defender is expected to make his comeback on limited game time for East Perth against WAFL powerhouse Subiaco at Leederville Oval on Saturday, provided he gets through training on Thursday.

Mackenzie has endured some rotten luck with his body in recent seasons and, after signing a one-year contract, the 2014 club champion is fighting for his career.

The 30-year-old was a hero in last season's epic elimination final victory over Port Adelaide, sliding into the behind post in a desperate act, but hasn't been sighted since the following week's semi-final loss to the Giants.

Mackenzie underwent surgery in October to fix stiffness and inflammation issues in his big toes, but a change in his running style caused stress fractures.

He cut a lonely figure in rehab at Eagles training until last month when he rejoined main training, and has been flying on the track.

Mackenzie fought back from form issues after his 2015 knee reconstruction to play both finals and 12 games in the second half of last year's campaign before his latest setback.

West Coast lacks experience and depth among its key defensive stocks, and coach Adam Simpson is crossing his fingers Mackenzie – who is stuck on 147 appearances – could get back to his best for the League-leaders' run towards finals.

Highly-rated draftee Oscar Allen, who won the Larke Medal at the NAB AFL Under-18s Championships last year as a key forward, has been playing at full-back for East Perth.

More defensive reinforcements are on the way, with versatile veteran Will Schofield also set to return from his minor hamstring strain.

The Eagles' injury list is dwindling, with star midfielder Luke Shuey (hamstring), wingman Chris Masten (hamstring) and exciting goalkicker Liam Ryan (ankle) available to face Sydney at the SCG.

Dynamic youngster Daniel Venables (ankle) is expected to be only a couple of weeks from his comeback after suffering a nasty ankle problem in round four.

Star forward Jack Darling will miss the next month of football after his hairline fracture and ankle ligament damage in West Coast's 10th straight win before the bye.

The Eagles face Essendon (home), Adelaide (away) and Greater Western Sydney (home) in coming weeks.