Trio face giant task covering Mackenzie
West Coast's lack of an obvious replacement for Eric Mackenzie leaves them with little option but to adopt a horses-for-courses approach towards match-ups in 2015, according to four-times club champion Glen Jakovich.
Mackenzie ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee against Carlton last Friday and requires a reconstruction, ruling him out for the season.
With former captain Darren Glass retiring last season, the Eagles are now without their two premier key back men from the past decade.
Will Schofield, Mitch Brown and Jeremy McGovern will fill the key-defensive posts in 2015, but Jakovich said none of them had the experience or physical attributes which saw Mackenzie entrusted with the job on the opposition's best forward every week.
Jakovich believed the Eagles would use them in varied roles depending on the opposition
"There is no immediate replacement for Eric Mackenzie," Jakovich said.
"It's a role they'll have to share, but it's a void they have to fill.
"Eric Mackenzie isn't their best player, but he's certainly one of their most important players.
"He was at the top of his game and the peak of his career. They have the players to cover for him though so it's horses for courses.
"They don't have one player ready for it now, but they may after trying a few things in the next eight to 12 weeks."
Jakovich said NAB Challenge games against Port Adelaide and Fremantle would give coach Adam Simpson the opportunity to experiment in defence.
The Eagles play the Western Bulldogs in round one and their key forward, Tom Boyd, has played only nine games.
The Eagles also play Greater Western Sydney and Brisbane in the opening five weeks, meaning they won't have to worry about Tom Hawkins, Travis Cloke or Lance Franklin until later in the season.
"When they come across a Buddy Franklin, Tom Hawkins, Travis Cloke or another power forward, someone will have to stand up," Jakovich said.
"Eric has done the job well one-on-one with those guys because he can match them athletically.
"They'll be pushed when they play the bigger sides but the club has done a good job in the past of replacing players."
Mackenzie has played 121 games and Jakovich required a knee reconstruction after 123 matches.
He was confident the back man would return to his best because he has more than 12 months to recover.
"He's done it so early that he'll be ready for round one next year," Jakovich said.
"He'll recover well because he's the ultimate professional."
Meanwhile, Callum Sinclair will miss at least a month after breaking his left thumb.
