Eagles back in Tim Kelly for home clash with Bombers

The 30-year-old's absence was keenly felt last week when the Eagles were smashed in the clearances and contested possessions on the way to a 71-point loss to Carlton.

Kelly only tallied 20 disposals and a goal in the WAFL last week, but it was enough to earn him a recall for Friday night's clash with Essendon at Optus Stadium. 

"We know how good TK can be. Fit and firing, TK is still our best player I think," Ginbey said.

"He responded super well (to his axing). I think he's a super mature player.

"He's 30 now and he went back to the WAFL and gave it his best crack. I think he's taken it on the chin very well."

West Coast have been boosted by the return of star defender Jeremy McGovern, but captain Oscar Allen is being managed following an underwhelming start to the season.

Essendon (2-2) have recalled Peter Wright for his first game of the AFL season. 

West Coast are on bottom of the ladder with a 0-5 record and a woeful percentage of 49.7.

Their lack of competitiveness when it comes to contested ball has been put in the spotlight this season, especially after posting a record-low 77 contested possessions against Carlton last week.

Eyebrows were raised earlier this week when forward Jake Waterman said a few of the club's younger players didn't know what was required to train at an AFL level. 

"I don't think he was going after our young players in general," Ginbey said of Waterman's comments. 

"I think it's just young players transitioning from the under 18s level into AFL level, it's a big step up.

"I mean, all you're used to is playing with players your age, and then when you go into a league with men, I think it's really for the coaches and mentors to show how we train, and they've been doing that really well. 

"So I think we need lift as a group, but that's definitely happening. We had a good week this week."