The 2012 All Australian made a successful return from his groin issues last Thursday in the Eagles' 19-point practice match win over Fremantle at Patersons Stadium.

 

The 23-year-old will ramp up his preparations this week after getting through the game unscathed.

 

"He pulled up well. Good enough to train yesterday and perform this Friday," Simpson said.

 

"We need to get a good solid hit-out from Nic. He played 40-50 minutes which we wanted him to last week and now the next step is to play a full game."

 

Naitanui hardly rucked in the match against Fremantle, instead spending the majority of his minutes forward and on the ball. Simpson said it was a strategic move given his ruck opponent last week was Aaron Sandilands.

 

"I didn't want to throw him in against the big fella against Freo," Simpson said.

 

"So he will explore a little bit in the ruck (this Friday). I think he needs to at least do a little bit to get used to the collision. But he'll play forward and on ball as well."

 

If Naitanui gets through the intra-club without issue, the West Coast match committee will have to weigh up whether to run with a ruck duo of Naitanui and Dean Cox against the Bulldogs, or add a third big man in either Scott Lycett or Callum Sinclair as insurance.

 

"It’s a good problem to have." Simpson said.

 

"We’ve been playing 24, 26 players and we have to pick 22. So it’s going to tough."

 

The first-year coach refused to lock anyone in as a certain starter for round one. The club's first round draft pick Dom Sheed has done his chances no harm with some very impressive performances in the pre-season.

 

"He's done everything right in our mind," Simpson said.

 

"He seems to have fitted in well with AFL standard, albeit he has a lot to learn, so he’s another one who is in the mix for sure."

 

However, Simpson did concede free agency recruit Xavier Ellis would likely play if he gets through Friday's hit-out.

"I'm really happy with his pre-season," Simpson said.

 

"His body is holding up well. He didn't play (last Thursday) but he'll be another one who touches the footy this weekend and he'll top his game time. But if he's fit he'll play."