Simpson revealed that a rigorous end-of- season review of the league's oldest list is on the cards.

And while anticipation rages on that tough veteran big man Drew Petrie could play on for another season, it is widely expected more retirements are imminent around West Coast.

Veteran back-pocket Sam Butler is understood to have advised management and confidants that he will retire.

The only survivor at West Coast of the 2006 Eagles premiership team had shoulder surgery early this month and will not play again this season.

Butler, 31, suffered through an injury-ravaged career to play 166 Eagles games, following his debut in 2004.

Petrie, 34, has been a courageous contributor in West Coast's stuttering season, having played 11 games since crossing from North Melbourne last November as a controversial rookie selection after 316 games at the Roos.

Petrie has averaged 13 disposals and five marks a game, sharing ruck and forward line duties with another imported big man Nathan Vardy from Geelong, as preferred on-ball big men Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett recover from long term injuries.

Naitanui is in recovery from a full knee reconstruction and will not play until next season while Lycett is battling ongoing shoulder troubles after his knee surgery last October.

Results as well as individual and team performances in a shaky run to the finals will determine whether experienced goal-shark Mark LeCras, besieged defenders Eric Mackenzie and Will Schofield and enigmatic forward Josh Hill continue next year.

West Coast sit ninth in a logjam for finals spots with just three games to complete the home -and-away season.

They take on 17th placed Carlton at home on Saturday, then head on a road trip to confront premiership fancies Greater Western Sydney and ladder-topping Adelaide back in Perth.

The Eagles have won just four of their last 11 engagements, slipping from third at round eight with six wins and two defeats, to be in danger of missing finals and facing sweeping changes to playing personnel as a consequence.

Decorated veterans Matt Priddis and Sam Mitchell have already announced they will retire at the end of this season.

"Every year you've got to look at your list management and where' you're at," Simpson told Channel Seven.

"Obviously we're in a bit of a transition with some of our older players and that's been stated pretty publicly.

"We'll work through it and do what's right for the club."

Simpson and his recruiting staff are scouring the nation for an injection of midfield and forward line speed as well as scoring power to support champion key forward Josh Kennedy.

West Coast has turned considerable attention to livewire Subiaco small forward Liam Ryan.

The clever goal opportunist has ignited WAFL circles for the past two seasons with explosive speed and uncanny scoring powers as well as electrifying and acrobatic high marking talent.

Eagles management is also known to be heavily involved in the chase to win out-of- contract forwards Mitch McGovern from Adelaide and Brandon Matera from Gold Coast.