Sore Lycett resets for second half of season
West Coast ruckman Scott Lycett will try to kickstart his underwhelming season after experiencing an injury setback.
The 22-year-old has not played at any level in the past fortnight because of a groin problem, a road block to his hopes of regaining an Eagles spot.
The West Australian understands West Coast are planning for Lycett to return to action in the Royals’ clash with Swan Districts on Saturday week.
East Perth have a bye in the WAFL this weekend, timed to coincide with West Coast’s mid-season break.
Lycett has not played since kicking two goals from eight disposals for the Royals in their win over Swan Districts on June 6.
He is believed to have strained his groin in that victory, having been asked to back up after receiving a corked hamstring in the previous round.
The South Australian’s lack of impact this season has been one of the few negatives in an otherwise barnstorming run for second-placed West Coast.
Lycett had been groomed as the replacement for retired club great Dean Cox and appeared to be primed for a big year following his best pre-season since being snared with pick No.29 in the 2010 national draft.
But he was dropped following the club’s round-four win over Brisbane in favour of fellow ruckman Callum Sinclair.
He has averaged 15 disposals and 21 hit-outs and booted 10 goals in four appearances with East Perth this year.
Lycett committed to West Coast’s future last year, signing a four-year deal in August that ties him to the club until 2018.
A glimmer of hope remains, with Sinclair yet to cement his spot in West Coast’s best line-up despite having made an important contribution in eight matches.
Sinclair has booted five goals and is averaging 19 hit-outs with the Eagles this year, but has had quiet games against North Melbourne and Richmond over the past month.
Eagles coach Adam Simpson last month said he expected Lycett to bounce back from being dropped.
“We have still got him in our plans and it is still part of his progression, but he needs to go back and get some solid form,” Simpson said.
