Darling set to return to the Eagles

Jack Darling is set to return to the West Coast Eagles next week after being vaccinated for COVID-19.

Darling has not been seen at the club since January after the AFL mandates prevented any person unvaccinated to attend.

The West Australian reports that the club were as little as days away from placing the key forward on their inactive list.

Once the paperwork is completed only time will tell whether Darling will take the field in round one against the Suns but it is unlikely considering he has not trained with the group for several weeks.

It's a turn of luck for West Coast who were desperately seeking a change of fortune after a number of injuries in the pre-season.

Ex-Fremantle forward Hugh Dixon was signed as a potential replacement for Darling but could still earn a call-up early in the season.

IMAGE: FILE