The West Coast Eagles issued a plea for public help to find their mascot Auzzie, a wedgetail eagle, who winged it ahead of their Friday night clash with Richmond.

A club spokeswoman informed the media on Thursday afternoon after Auzzie went missing following a training run at the club's home ground, Subiaco Oval.

A phone call later confirmed the huge female bird had been found in nearby West Perth, but it was another hour before she could be coaxed onto her handler's glove.

Crows protecting their territory were seen harassing Auzzie after she took flight.

The eagle has been used before West Coast home games since 2005, flying in from the north and soaring above the stadium before landing on a spherical perch in the middle of the oval.

The Eagles play Richmond on Friday night at Subiaco, when Ben Cousins will return to play his first game against West Coast on his old home ground.

Cousins, who captained the Perth-based AFL team for several years, had his contract terminated after a personal battle with drugs.

He was picked up by Richmond earlier this year.

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