West Coast coach John Worsfold admits even he's surprised by how quickly Beau Waters has returned to his courageous best.

Waters missed more than 18 months of AFL action and was almost forced into premature retirement after suffering a dislocated elbow that required numerous operations.

But the 24-year-old returned with a bang this season, playing every game to become a ray of light in an otherwise dark campaign for the Eagles.

Waters gathered 33 possessions and took a spectacular mark in West Coast's 24-point loss to Geelong on Saturday night, with his fearless attack on the ball the highlight of his game.

"Where he's got back to so quickly is a credit to him," Worsfold said.

"I honestly thought we'd just get him through this year and then at some point he would start to play the really free-running football we know he can play.

"But he's got back to that very quickly.

"He's been very committed to learning a lot over the last couple of years while he hasn't been playing."

Despite the seriousness of his elbow injury, Waters' fearless attack on the man and the ball hasn't changed, constantly flinging his body at contests with little regard for his own safety.

"He's pretty inspirational in what he's doing and what he's done for us this year," Worsfold said.

Waters has captained the club in the absence of skipper Darren Glass, who is out with a groin injury.

But Worsfold said it was far too early to nominate Waters as the next full-time captain.

"If you're writing Glassy up you're going early," Worsfold said.

West Coast will be without Adam Selwood for Sunday's clash with Richmond at the MCG, the midfielder expected to miss at least two weeks with a shoulder injury.

Sam Butler (ankle) and Will Schofield (hip) are also in doubt with Patrick McGinnity in line for a recall and Koby Stevens a chance to make his debut.

"If he (Stevens) is our best option this week we'll certainly go for him," Worsfold said.

"But there's a few other things we're weighing up with where Koby's at.

"We've got the opportunity to elevate rookies as required, so that opens up quite a few other players to look at this week."

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