West Coast couldn’t assure that first-choice ruck Nic Naitanui will return in opposition to Adelaide within the staff’s closing pre-season hit-out at Mineral Resources Park on Friday as he manages Achilles soreness.
Naitanui didn’t function within the improved Eagles’ slender victory over Port Adelaide on Friday, giving fellow massive males Bailey Williams and Callum Jamieson an opportunity to place their hand as much as be a part of him in spherical one in opposition to North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on March 18.
The 32-year-old performed a half within the intraclub match the earlier Friday earlier than a lightweight week on the observe.
West Coast return to coaching on Monday morning with Naitanui, captain Luke Shuey (managed) and prized draftee Reuben Ginbey (toe) amongst these pushing to return.
It comes as Adelaide welcome again former captain and influential ahead Taylor Walker (managed), who sat out of Friday’s win over the Dockers.
“We’ll just manage him as we go,” West Coast assistant coach Daniel Pratt stated.
“It will be good for him to play but if he doesn’t, then we’ll keep working with him for round one.”
Pratt stated each Williams and Jamieson introduced totally different strengths as a possible second ruck.
Port Adelaide veteran and 2018 Eagles premiership participant Scott Lycett bought the factors in opposition to the pair on Friday evening.
It gained’t get any simpler subsequent recreation in opposition to Crows big Reilly O’Brien.
“They have different strengths, Jamo competed really well as a forward as well,” Pratt stated.
“Bailey did some really good things up against Lycett at times so it’s good to have some competition in that space.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
