Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy believes West Coast should weigh up the possibility of throwing Kade Simpson a lifeline.
The retired Carlton defender revealed on Monday that he still had the urge to play, was still in playing shape and was open to returning for a contender via the mid-season draft.
The Eagles have had a few injuries and are lacking depth through the midfield and half-back.
Healy sees it as a logical fit.
“I think everyone considers a comeback when you’re still in it and still fit,” Healy told Sportsday.
“I’m not sure where Kade is at, but if I’m the West Coast Eagles and I’m skinny in the midfield right now, you’ve got a forward line and a defence that can win you a flag and yet all of a sudden they’re down Elliot Yeo, they’re down Luke Shuey, Shannon Hurn’s gone down and their depth in that area is not great.
“You could get Simpson for nothing … I wouldn’t close off my views on whether anyone who just retired could play.”
Matthew Lloyd can’t see Carlton bringing the 36-year-old Simpson back into the fold.
“Of course Carlton isn’t going to take him back, they moved him on to get games into others, but I do find it a little bit sad that Kade’s of that feeling, but it happens to so many,” Lloyd said.
“They think they have more to give, but time is given on their careers.”
