WEST Coast is set to err on the side of caution and rule a line through star spearhead Josh Kennedy for Sunday's meeting with Melbourne.

Kennedy has missed the past three matches after suffering another hairline fracture in his leg.

The battered big man trained at Subiaco Oval on Monday but was restricted mainly to running laps and didn't extend himself during skills work.

West Coast took a major step towards securing a top-two berth with another after-the-siren win over Port Adelaide last round and won't rush Kennedy for the Dees clash.

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"No, he won't play – I don't think he'll play," coach Adam Simpson told 6PR.

"I'm not going to keep everyone guessing, as soon as I get told he's not playing I'll rule him out, but at the moment – I haven't been told he's not – but I'm reading the cues."

Kennedy has missed nine games this year due to leg issues and Simpson is desperate to get the 30-year-old back for a run before finals.

"There's a risk he misses too much football and this is creeping into four or five weeks," he said.

"We do need him in the side and we do need the continuity, and ideally I'd love him to play this week and next week.

"If he's not available this week, I'd love him to play a game before finals (against Brisbane)."

Simpson, who expected livewire small forward Liam Ryan would overcome a corked thigh to face the Demons, wasn't sure when the Eagles would welcome suspended star Andrew Gaff back into the fold.

Gaff has spent time with family in Melbourne since his Tribunal hearing last Tuesday and could yet take on a coaching role after being rubbed out for the season.

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"I touched base with him today via text, but he's in Melbourne still and he's having a bit of time off," Simpson said.

"Obviously, there's no rush to get him back, just clear his head and spend a bit more time with his family.

"We're trying to show as much support as we can for him.

"I understand he made a terrible decision and massive mistake and he's got to live with it and deal with the consequences – and so do we as a club.

"Eight weeks really hurts us and we don't want those type of things to happen, just like anyone, so we're really remorseful about the incident but, in the end, we've got to try and get Gaffy back on his feet.

"He's still a good member of society and a good man and we want to show him that appreciation."