West Coast coach Adam Simpson says famous person ruckman Nic Naitanui is “unlikely” to play within the Eagles’ essential season opener towards two-time reigning wood spooners North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.
Naitanui, 32, has been doing every little thing he can to show he’s over a sore Achilles that has sidelined him for the previous few weeks.
The three-time All-Australian was the primary Eagle out on the observe at Mineral Resources Park on Monday morning, going via a gruelling one-hour solo session with power and conditioning coach Mark “Killer” Kilgallon.
From testing his Achilles with sprints and lateral actions to tossing round a tackling bag, Naitanui was a person on a mission as he appears to be like to assist West Coast get their 2023 off to a superb begin.
West Coast is also with out fellow ruckman Bailey Williams who’s battling a hamstring challenge, whereas draftee Harry Barnett is unlikely to debut after his pre-season was hindered by an ankle damage.
It leaves fourth-year huge man Callum Jamieson as the one match ruckman on the listing.
Simpson, who enters his tenth season on the helm of the Eagles, was not giving an excessive amount of away when it got here as to whether Naitanui could be on the flight to Melbourne come Thursday.
“I don’t know, we’ll have to get a report on that (session),” Simpson informed 7News.
“When you’ve got an Achilles issue pre-season you’ve got to look after it otherwise it’ll be there all year.
“There’s the Achilles and then there are all the muscles around the Achilles that you’ve got to build up and activate to help protect that.
“So he’s in that phase, whether he plays this week or not this week we’ll wait and see but he’s more unlikely.”
Simpson stated the Eagles have been “hopeful” ahead Jack Darling could be match after he injured his ankle in a match simulation final month.
“He’s done everything he can,” Simpson stated.
Simpson is contracted to teach the Eagles till the tip of 2025, giving him three seasons to show the membership’s fortunes round after their traditionally low two-win season.
“Part of my brief personally, internally is whenever I leave the club and the list is in a really good position, but it’s going to take time,” Simpson stated.
“I fully intend to be a part of that. And when the time is right and when it all finishes, I’m hoping that the list is in good shape and there’s long-term success there. Hopefully, I am a part of it.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
