West Coast coach Adam Simpson expects small forward Jamaine Jones to go to a new level in 2021 after shedding four kilos.

Jones played just two games for the Eagles last season, before his first campaign at his second club was ended by a serious hamstring tendon injury.

The former Geelong crumber won the last spot on West Coast’s list last March after joining as a train-on player and won an extension after again being forced to sweat this off-season.

Jones’ summer has been complicated by rehab following hamstring surgery and now a quarantine period, but the 22-year-old left-footer is set to join his teammates on the track next week.

“He’s lost a bit of weight. The first time I saw him I thought he’s no worries, pretty fit. But he’s actually lost four kilos second year around,” Simpson said.

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“We now know he’s got another level, which is great. So we’re looking forward to seeing him.

“So unless he’s been on the meat pies the last week and a bit, I think he’s in good nick and hopefully we get him injury-free.”

Jones, new recruit Alex Witherden, big man Bailey Williams, midfielder Xavier O’Neill and concussion victim Daniel Venables will join pre-season training when they complete their quarantine period next week.

Small forwards have been a problem area for the Eagles since their 2018 premiership win.

Mark LeCras retired following that match, while Willie Rioli (provisional suspension) and Venables (concussion) have been unavailable long-term.

Jones and Greater Western Sydney recruit Zac Langdon should add their depth this season and compete with players such as Jack Petruccelle and Jarrod Cameron for a berth alongside established pair Jamie Cripps and Liam Ryan.

Meanwhile, Simpson said he would remain patient with big-name recruit Tim Kelly after a mixed debut season in blue and gold.

West Coast great Peter Sumich recently said the Eagles had “sold their soul” given the big trade price they paid for Kelly and that they needed to win the 2021 flag to justify the move.

Kelly played every game last season and finished seventh in the John Worsfold Medal.

“I think there was an adjustment for his own style of play,” Simpson told 6PR.

“We play differently than Geelong. There’s new connections he needs to make with midfielders and ruckmen.

“He had some sensational games throughout the year and some games he was a little bit off. I’m not putting any more pressure on than that’s already there.

“We like him at his best. We think he’s a long-term prospect for us, I think he’s 25 (26). So hopefully we see the best of him in the next five to seven years.”