West Coast coach Andrew McQualter has conceded defender Harry Edwards’ career could be in the hands of the AFL’s concussion panel after he sustained his third this year.

Edwards failed a SCAT test after he copped a blow from teammate Elliot Yeo in the opening term of their 32-point defeat to Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

The 25-year-old was only 14 minutes into his return from the concussion he sustained in the round two win against North Melbourne.

Edwards missed the start of the season after he copped a head knock in the Eagles’ pre-season clash against Port Adelaide on March 1, with his career now likely in the hands of the AFL concussion panel.

The Eagles have a horror history with losing players to concussion, with club great Jeremy McGovern forced to retire, while premiership teammate Daniel Venables and All-Australian defender Brad Sheppard have also had their careers cut short.

McQualter said he had serious concerns for his defender who would now be set for an extended stint on the sidelines for a second time this year.

“I’m really concerned for Harry. It’s really sad and unfortunate he wasn’t able to play for us today but it’s bigger than that for Harry right now,” he said.

“He’s in great spirits for what it’s worth. He’s walking around and he was at half-time. He is in a good spot but he did fail his SCAT test so I understand what that means.

“And he will have another stint on the sidelines now and our team will just ensure that we look after Harry first and foremost.”

Asked if Edwards’ future would be left in the hands of the AFL’s concussion panel, McQualter said: “Possibly, I honestly don’t know. I’ve got no idea how that works.

“We had an experience with Jeremy McGovern last year where he went to the panel and the outcome wasn’t favourable for him so that’ll play out whatever it needs to do.”

While it was the sixth consecutive defeat for McQualter’s side, the second year coach could be buoyed by a second half effort when they showed fight.

West Coast kicked the first goal of the game but conceded the next eight to effectively shut the door on any hope of snapping their losing streak.

McQualter praised defender Brady Hough, who effectively tagged Demons’ star Kysaiah Pickett, holding the Brownlow Medal fancy to only 14 touches, two clearances and a goal.

“I though Brady Hough’s job on Kozzie Pickett was unbelievable,” he said.

“I probably rate Kozzie Pickett as one of if not the best player in the comp and I thought Houghy and Willem Duursma who also went to him for periods, I just thought their attention to detail on the task was elite. They did a great job there.

“I thought against Max Gawn and (Max) Heath as well, we competed really hard in that space so we gave ourselves a chance in the clearance game but ultimately we weren’t able to get the job done.”