Eagles down but are they out?

Eagle Rock by Daddy Cool is one of the most recognisable songs in Australian music history and, understandably, has been warmly embraced by West Coast in the AFL over many years.

However, given the 2007 season the reigning premiers are enduring, changing the lyrics to Eagles Rocked makes much more sense after their title defence took another massive hit on Wednesday with confirmation gun midfielder Daniel Kerr will be missing until at least preliminary final weekend after rupturing a tendon in the ring finger of his left hand.

It is the latest in an extraordinary line of on and off-field matters that have caused minor distractions to major infractions.

The loss of Kerr so close to the finals has staggered the Eagles, and it must be remembered he is the second player at the club to require surgery this year for this freak-type of injury after centre half-forward Ashley Hansen missed six games in the middle of the season with an identical complaint.

The superstar No.4 in blue and gold has been nothing short of sensational this campaign; even more so given the extended absence of Ben Cousins and the hobbled nature of skipper Chris Judd.

All things considered, the Eagles have done mighty well to be sitting third (13-7, and just 0.6 per cent behind second-placed Port Adelaide) with two rounds to go. They face a tricky assignment against eighth-placed St Kilda at the Telstra Dome this Friday night and then return home to host an emotional Essendon, farewelling Kevin Sheedy and James Hird, in round 22.

Two victories and they should finish second; one victory and they could still finish top four with a double chance but travel in week one of the finals.

So much success in an AFL season can be put down to winning the close ones and keeping your stars on the park. West Coast has been pretty good at the first part, winning five of the six games it has been involved in decided by less than three goals this year.

Part two has, at times, bordered on a disaster. Judd and Cousins remain in doubt to tackle the Saints on Friday night, and it's a given that Judd won't be anywhere near 100 per cent fit for the rest of the season. Cousins, while in spectacular form since his drug-related absence finished, is constantly battling soft-tissue soreness and tightness – developments, no doubt, from his extended period out of the game.

2006 Norm Smith Medallist Andrew Embley is hopeful of returning from a hamstring strain in round 22, but is more likely to be the first week of the finals, while hardmen Daniel Chick (larynx) and Beau Waters (hand) are expected to return this week.

The Kerr blow hasn't put the heavyweight champ on the canvas, but is another power shot that again leaves them susceptible. If they get to the finish line first from here, it will truly be a victory against the odds.