West Coast Eagles coach Adam Simpson says Elliot Yeo injury in Richmond Tigers clash is ‘classic’ hamstring

Elliot Yeo’s season from hell could be over, with the West Coast star no certainty to return this year after suffering another frustrating injury against Richmond at the MCG. In the hands of club medicos, the 28-year-old’s facial expression told the all-too-familiar tale before the ice was even applied - on this occasion to his right hamstring. Attempting to chase down Richmond’s Maurice Rioli Jr early in the third term on Sunday, Yeo stretched a step too far before landing on both knees, defeated. He immediately headed to the bench. West Coast coach Adam Simpson said he felt for the two-time club champion, who has mustered just five games this season. “He just can’t get a run at it, Yeoy. He’s been pretty good for us... we built him up the right way and unfortunately, he just got into awkward positioning and he got pushed in the back going full tilt,” Simpson said. “It’s one of those classic ones where you know straight away (what the injury is). “It’s been a tough couple of years for him.” The hamstring concern is the latest setback in a year to forget for the dual All-Australian, who had hoped to bounce back in 2022 from an injury-plagued 24 months with osteitis pubis. A serious calf injury in West Coast’s pre-season hit-out with Fremantle kept him sidelined until round five before he suffered a heavy head knock against Port Adelaide in round six. After completing the mandatory 12-day concussion period, he was then thrown into COVID protocols. The Eagles took the conservative route, easing Yeo back into football with back-to-back WAFL games before a suspension at the lower level. Yeo made an impressive return to the senior side across half-back, following up a superb game against Geelong with a match-winning performance in the Eagles’ drought-breaking victory over Essendon in round 15. Despite the loss of Yeo, Simpson was impressed by the Eagles’ competitiveness as the club sought redemption for the 109-point loss at Optus Stadium in round seven. “I thought the guys were better,” Simpson said. “Better with our method around the contest, we’re getting supply this week... We didn’t kick straight - that always hurts. “Obviously Richmond deserved to win but we had moments in the game were we were on top.” Simpson also praised the efforts of Nic Naitanui, who dominated in the ruck in his first game since round four. “Just shows how important he is for us,” Simpson said. “He’s our Max Gawn. He helped today for sure.” The Eagles are likely to regain spearhead Josh Kennedy for their home clash with Carlton next Sunday. Like Yeo, Richmond face a similar hamstring concern to one of their biggest names after Dustin Martin was also subbed out in the third term.