It has already been reported Lycett would have extensive surgery to the damaged left knee he carried through the last month of the season, with a torn posterior cruciate ligament, almost ruptured muscle tendon and significant cartilage tearing.

But after limping through last week's finals loss to the Western Bulldogs, he travelled to Melbourne on Wednesday and the news he received does not seem to have been positive.

"We're not sure  - the club will announce something soon [about a potential reconstruction] and I'll pretty much go under the knife from there," Lycett told Radio 6PR's Breakfast program.

"If it's a knee recon, it could be anything from six to 12 months but we'll keep our fingers crossed.

"I went to Melbourne yesterday with one of the physios from West Coast and consulted a knee surgeon over there...we have a bit more of an idea, but once the West Coast physio and doctors get together they will know a bit more and go from there."

Star ruckman Nic Naitanui already had a reconstruction after a round 22 injury, while Matt Priddis, Josh Kennedy and Jeremy McGovernn have all gone under the knife for various ailments since the Bullodgs loss.

Lycett defended his decision to play against the Bulldogs despite the existing knee issues.

"I was all right to play. Simmo [coach Adam Simpson] asked me the same question after the game," he said.

"I didn't need a jab before the game but as it worked out I probably should have got one. Once got I hurt again I had to go down and have it.

"It was a final and I'm pretty content in myself that I was all right to play. I just unfortunately copped a knock and it affected the knee."

Any absence for Lycett that stretches well into the 2017 season would increase the existing need for the club to boost its ruck stocks.

The Eagles are competing with cross-town rival Fremantle to try to pry WA product Rory Lobb away from GWS, with journeyman Jonathan Giles West Coast's only other established big man option.