Star West Coast midfielder Daniel Kerr has been officially ruled out for the rest of the AFL season after succumbing to a troubling abdominal complaint.

Kerr, who has not played since round 13, was placed on a modified strength and conditioning program two weeks ago in a bid to fix the injury.

But time has run out for the 26-year-old to re-appear this season, with the club placing him on their long-term injury list.

The Eagles are yet to decide which rookie will replace Kerr on the senior list.

"In the last week Kerr has stepped up his training program in a bid to recover from an abdominal problem with the view to playing senior football again this year," West Coast said in a statement.

"Unfortunately the injury has not responded as Daniel and the medical team had hoped and the decision has been made, in Daniel's long-term interests, to take a more conservative approach to his recovery from the injury."

Ruckman Dean Cox is also unlikely to feature again in 2009 due to a groin complaint.

Premiership defender Adam Hunter, who is fighting for his career after a season ruined by a debilitating shoulder injury, successfully negotiated his way through a game in the WAFL last Saturday and is set to front up again for Swan Districts this weekend.

Kerr's latest setback caps a miserable 24 months for the 2007 All-Australian, who has been restricted to just 22 games in the past two seasons due to injury and suspension.

Despite Kerr's battle with form and fitness, West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett dismissed talk the club would be willing to trade the 166-game veteran, even if the Eagles were offered a first-round pick at November's national draft.

"The bottom line is Daniel's a super player," Nisbett said on Sunday.

"He is a genuine, quality player and a franchise player.

"He's a player we can ill-afford to lose."

The Eagles are aiming to end their 19-game interstate losing streak when they tackle the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Bulldogs veteran Jason Akermanis, who booted five goals against Fremantle last week, looms as the danger man for the Eagles.

West Coast coach John Worsfold hinted 20-year-old Patrick McGinnity or midfielder Sam Butler were the front runners to get the job on the former Lion.

"I think Patty McGinnity would have earned the respect of the match committee to say he could handle a job like that," Worsfold said.

"He'd certainly have a go at it. It would be good for him.

"Sam Butler, we are pretty happy with the way he's developing.

"It would be another challenge for him."

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