West Coast premiership player Daniel Venables is still not free of concussion symptoms, eight months after a serious on-field collision that was likened to a car crash.

Venables has not played since he was knocked out by a double blow in round nine last season, when his head connected with the hip of Melbourne’s Tim Smith and then the Optus Stadium turf after going back with the flight of the ball.

While the 21-year-old has made significant progress and has taken part in much of the Eagles’ pre-season program, coach Adam Simpson said his health fluctuated.

“He’s having good days and not so good days. So we’re still working through that. It’s a long process,” Simpson said.

“He’s improved so much since November. He’s one of our best trainers when he’s out there. But every now and again he has a day that’s not so great. So we’ve got to look after him.”

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Camera Icon Daniel Venables. West Coast Eagles training at Mineral Resources Park, Lathlain. 15 JANUARY 2020 Credit: Danella Bevis The West Australian

While the Eagles are hopeful Venables will make a full recovery, Simpson said it was unclear whether he would be available to start the new season in March.

“We haven’t ruled it out because he’s trained. He’s done a lot of training, so he hasn’t missed too many sessions at all. But he’s not quite there yet,” Simpson said.

“He’s been in a bit of contact. So that’s the next step for him. It’s more about how he wakes up and gets through the day.”

Venables, a speedy midfielder-forward once likened to star teammate Luke Shuey, has played 21 games including the memorable 2018 grand final.

Meanwhile, West Coast train-on player Isaya McKenzie’s hopes of earning the final spot on the list have been shattered after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during match simulation training on Friday.

Camera Icon Luke Shuey, Daniel Venables. (West Coast Eagles training at Subiaco Oval.) 28 MAY 2019 Credit: Danella Bevis The West Australian

McKenzie, a small forward from SANFL club Central District, had been hoping to earn a rookie deal in the wake of Willie Rioli’s provisional suspension.

McKenzie was one of four forwards hoping to be taken as a pre-season supplemental selection, with former Fremantle player Brady Grey, former Carlton and Greater Western Sydney livewire Jarrod Pickett and West Coast reserves player Nicholas Reid also in the running.

Scans confirmed McKenzie will need a reconstruction and he has been ruled out for the 2020 season.

“We are devastated for the lad,” Central District chief executive Kris Grant said.

“It was an opportunity for him to have a crack into the AFL. It was a big decision for him to take up that opportunity and for it to fall away like that is very disappointing.”

Since making his league debut for the Bulldogs in 2016, the 22-year-old has made 36 appearances in the club’s top side and kicked 37 goals.