West Coast coach Adam Simpson says Nic Naitanui is “doubtful” for spherical one, however skipper Luke Shuey shall be unleashed in Friday’s pre-season conflict with Adelaide.
Naitanui has been battling an Achilles problem in latest weeks, and it seems more and more unlikely he shall be match to tackle North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on March 18.
“It’s March, so we need to take our time with it,” Simpson stated on the membership’s season launch on Thursday.
“Is he right for round one? I can’t answer that just yet, (but) he is doubtful.”
Simpson is hopeful Darling will win his race to be match for the round-one conflict.
Darling injured his ankle final month, however averted surgical procedure and is pushing arduous to be match for West Coast’s season opener.
“He trained today. We’re hoping he is on target for round one. He is ticking boxes,” Simpson stated.
Simpson confirmed Shuey, who missed final week’s apply match in opposition to Port Adelaide after being “managed”, would return in opposition to the Crows.
Jack Petruccelle and prized first-round draft decide Reuben Ginbey will even play.
“He will start. It was a minor toe injury last week,” Simpson stated of Ginbey, who has impressed West Coast’s teaching employees since being chosen with decide No.9 eventually yr’s nationwide draft.
West Coast received simply two video games in an injury-ravaged marketing campaign final yr, however the Eagles are fitter and more healthy this pre-season.
“We just want to improve. We want to be competitive,” Simpson stated.
“We want to win for our crowd at home. We need to improve, be competitive and hopefully the wins come after that.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
