West Coast coach Andrew McQualter has revealed he is hopeful star veteran Jeremy McGovern will return to the side this week after completing rehab on his groin injury.

But the Eagles leader - who is still reeling as the club officially recorded its worst start in history at the weekend - would not say if the axe would fall on any senior players following the brutal axing of Tim Kelly.

McGovern has not featured since the western derby in round three after straining a groin, leaving the Eagles essentially down to rookie key defenders.

But McQualter revealed relief could be on the way.

“We’re really hopeful Gov will be right to play this week,” he told 7NEWS.

“He’s been able to complete his way through his rehab, so he’ll just tick off training on Wednesday, and he’ll be great to have back in our side this week.”

Last year’s top draftee, Bo Allan, could also be in the frame for a debut.

Kelly has been the highest profile casualty of the Eagles’ history-making woes, alongside Tom Cole, dropped down to the WAFL, and after a 71-point defeat, more could follow.

However, McQualter would not reveal if further veterans, such as co-captain Liam Duggan, who has copped plenty of heat in the last fortnight for his efforts, would also face the chopping block.

“We’re open every week to selection; we’ll just have a look at the tape of the WAFL game and our tape, and then we’ll do our reviews,” he said.

“Then we’ll go to pick the best team we’ve got to be able to beat Essendon this Friday night. It’s a great opportunity to play on Easter Friday with all of our fans, and we can’t wait to put on a better performance.”

In his wide-ranging interview with 7NEWS, McQualter also weighed in on the emotional response from Brady Hough after the loss, who broke down in an exclusive sit down with The West Australian.

The 22-year-old, who has been one of the Eagle’s brightest talents in recent seasons, understandably struggled to control his emotion in the wake of his side’s Gather Round mauling to previously winless Carlton.

And McQualter said he loved how much the young defender cared.

“I love that Brady cares so much that he’s emotional about being in the position we are in, but we just have to continue supporting him,” he said.

“It shows you how much he cares; our players are hurting more than anyone realises and more than anyone (gives them credit for).

“We’re in a tough spot, we understand it, and it’s great that he cares so much.”

In another positive, the Eagles coach said he was enjoying the enthusiasm of his first-year crop after Lucca Grego stated he wanted to be the next Eagle to debut.

“He literally knocks on my door and rings my phone every couple of days, Lucca, so I love that,” he said.

“He’s got such high ambition for a young fella. He’s played a couple of good WAFL games in a row, so we’ll see where it goes for him.”