West Coast are sweating on the fitness of Josh Kennedy after the key forward suffered a possible fractured eye socket in Saturday night's thrilling three-point semi-final victory over Carlton.

Kennedy was left feeling physically ill and with a swollen left eye after clashing heads with Carlton's Lachie Henderson in the first quarter of the 15.11 (101) to 15.8 (98) triumph at Patersons Stadium.

The 24-year-old bravely returned to the field to be among West Coast's best players, booting 3.3 to help the Eagles book a dream preliminary final berth against Geelong at the MCG on Saturday.

Luckily for Kennedy, the hit to his face didn't affect the right eye he injured earlier this year when struck by a tennis ball thrown by teammate Dean Cox.

But Eagles coach John Worsfold said there were some concerns Kennedy may have suffered a fracture to the left side of his face.

"We'll have to get that assessed," Worsfold said.

"That's always a risk that there is a fracture so we'll wait until we get expert advice on that.

"Josh was pretty distraught when he got his knock ... I didn't think he'd be able to play out the whole game.

"He was keen to try to keep going.

"It was a big effort ... to contribute the way he did."

Fellow forward Mark LeCras, whose left ankle twisted awkwardly during a tackle late in the third quarter, will also be monitored despite being able to play out the match.

West Coast defeated Geelong by eight points in Perth earlier this year and Worsfold said his charges were looking forward to another hit-out at the MCG, where they pushed Collingwood all the way in the qualifying final.

The Cats are hot favourites to qualify for the grand final, but Worsfold bristled at suggestions the Eagles had nothing to lose and could merely treat the game as a 'free hit'.

"Don't take anything on in life if you're worried about failing," Worsfold said.

"You never deserve anything in this game, you get what you work for.

"We didn't start the year thinking we deserved anything other than what we're prepared to work hard for and I think the players have earned the right to play in this week's game.

"They worked hard to win that game (against Carlton).

"It's really highlighting the belief they've had in each other all year."

Geelong expect veteran midfielder Joel Corey to make his return after recovering from a groin injury that has sidelined him since round 21.

"We're very happy with the way he's going," Cats football manager Neil Balme said.

"I don't think there's a lot of doubt on him."

Collingwood key defender Ben Reid, who was a late withdrawal for the Magpies' qualifying final win over West Coast, is likely to return from a groin injury for Friday night's preliminary final against Hawthorn.

And in another important inclusion for the defending premiers, Dale Thomas will slot straight back into the midfield after serving his two-week suspension.

Hawthorn star forward Lance Franklin pulled up well after overcoming knee bruising to kick four goals in Friday night's 36-point semi-final win over Sydney.

The Hawks are also confident Paul Puopolo will be fine, despite the small forward experiencing hamstring cramp late in the game against the Swans.

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