Eagles: Cox Could Play Again This Year

West Coast have confirmed popular $418k ruckman Dean Cox could be back soon after a specialist ruled out osteitis pubis as the reason for his niggling groin problem.

Cox, owned by over 81,000 DT coaches, has serious soft-tissue damage high in his groin and while he won't play in next week's derby, the Eagles think he'll be back before the season ends.

The Eagles ruckman, along with $240k midfielder Daniel Kerr, saw a specialist in Adelaide this week, with the latter confirmed to have severe abdominal strains.

"We're all pretty relieved that the news is encouraging," WCE footy manager Neale Daniher said.

"We can't put a definite playing resumption time on either of them, but it will be a rest for them and then build up program for both of them and we're hoping that they'll play again this year."

Daniher added, "We're definitely not ruling them out for the rest of the season.

"But, they are two separate injuries and they will both have separate rehabilitation programs. How they go with that can determine how quickly they recover."

WCE wouldn't commit to a return date, but it is believed Kerr is closer to resuming than Cox.