WEST Coast star Elliot Yeo has been ruled out of the Eagles' season-opener against North Melbourne after scans revealed the dual club champion had suffered a minor calf injury. 

Yeo, who had enjoyed an outstanding summer after three seasons interrupted by injury, reported the issue during training on Tuesday and has been placed in cotton wool.  

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West Coast football manager Gavin Bell said the club would take a no-risk approach with the 29-year-old, with the Eagles optimistic the setback will remain minor.  

"As our senior coach Adam Simpson has mentioned previously, it is not unexpected that some players returning from long-term injury issues could face some hurdles on their paths back to playing regular senior football," Bell said. 

"Encouragingly, Elliot has enjoyed an excellent pre-season to this point. We are optimistic this is only a minor speed bump and expect he will be back in action soon." 

Yeo's pre-season training form had pointed to the premiership hero rediscovering his powerful attributes and boosting the Eagles' midfield this season. 

The dual Therabody AFL All-Australian has played just 27 games in the past three seasons – including five last year – as he managed a long list of injuries, including groin and soft tissue troubles. 

With Yeo's imposing presence in the midfield this pre-season, captain Luke Shuey has been able to shift to a new half-back role. 

Yeo's absence will increase the responsibility on senior pair Tim Kelly and Dom Sheed, while draftee Reuben Ginbey and second-year midfielder Jai Culley have shown terrific signs when playing as inside midfielders. 

Ginbey has been confirmed to make his debut, alongside fellow draftee Noah Long and second-year wingman Campbell Chesser, when the Eagles take on the Kangaroos at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.