Tim Kelly has not been included in the Eagles' side to face Carlton in Gather Round on Saturday afternoon.

One of West Coast's shining lights in recent testing seasons, Kelly will run out with the club's WAFL side against Subiaco on Friday after being dropped from the senior side, confirmed on Thursday.

The midfielder had just three kicks, gathering 14 disposals overall in the Eagles' 81-point loss to GWS last weekend.

It comes after 18 and a second 14-touch performances to start the year, with a 29-disposal effort against reigning premiers Brisbane in round two - a game where West Coast lead until mid-way through the final quarter.

Kelly contributed with a slight downtick in 2024 after sitting around the 30-touch mark in all but three games across the previous season on his way to a club best-and-fairest.

"He's obviously disappointed about that but understands the decision and knows his form hasn't been at the level he expects of himself," his manager Anthony Van Der Wielen said in a statement to Nine News on Wednesday.

"He sees this as an opportunity to reset, build confidence, and hopefully push straight back into senior selection.

"Tim's a proud player and a leader. One of the most driven and self-aware athletes I've worked with.

"He is very confident he can get back to his best form very soon."

Kelly crossed to the Eagles ahead of the 2020 season after breaking onto the scene as an over-age draft pickup by Geelong in 2017.

His current club comes up against another outfit gunning for their first premiership points.

Carlton remain without a win after playing finals in the previous two seasons under Michael Voss, collecting losses to spoon-favourites Richmond in the opening round, Hawthorn the Bulldogs and arch-rivals Collingwood - all by 20 points or less.

The Blues welcome back tall target Harry McKay for the Saturday afternoon game at Adelaide Oval.

At Gather Round last year, West Coast sent a scare to eventual minor premiers Sydney before dropping away later in the contest at Mount Barker.