West Coast coach Adam Simpson is assured star ruckman Nic Naitanui will play this season regardless of carrying a persistent Achilles damage.
Simpson and Naitanui are set to satisfy with the membership physician on Friday to find out their subsequent step in his restoration from the heel damage that has plagued his season to this point.
Naitanui, 32, has been a week-to-week proposition for a lot of the season till the weekend, when Simpson stated he was unlikely to play till spherical 5 towards Geelong.
The Eagles have simply two match ruckman forward of the Western Derby on Sunday in Bailey Williams and draftee Harry Bartnett.
Callum Jamieson has an ankle damage whereas Jack Williams (spleen) can also be sidelined, whereas Barnett is just not prepared for the rigours of AFL after his pre-season was hampered by an ankle damage.
It means Williams shall be partnered by certainly one of Oscar Allen, Jake Waterman or Harry Edwards – with Simpson not revealing who they’d use but.
Simpson stated the three-time All-Australian wouldn’t want surgical procedure as they attempt to get him again on the park as quickly as potential.
“I don’t think surgery is part of the conversation,” Simpson stated.
“I think he will play this year, but I can’t comment until I get the full details.
“We will release something when the time is right, but he won’t be playing for a few weeks.”
It means the Eagles will face what Simpson labelled “the biggest challenge in the AFL” – competing towards Dockers ruck duo Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson.
“Their number one in the hit-outs and I’m pretty sure we’re not number one or in the top four,” Simpson stated
“It’s how we handle it. I thought last week we handled it pretty well, albeit the Giants had a young ruckman and a second stringer that was probably a bit like ours. It’s a bit different this week though.
“It’s something we’ve got to deal with while Nic’s not available and we’ve got some young blokes coming through.”
Simpson stated he was hopeful midfielder Elliot Yeo could be accessible for subsequent weekend’s sport towards Melbourne.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
