WEST Coast forward Josh Kennedy reckons Nic Naitanui is worth $1 million a year, saying he'll even take a pay cut to enable the Eagles to re-sign the star ruckman.
Naitanui is closing in on a new five-year deal that could see him earn in the vicinity of that amount per season.
A growing amount of AFL greats have questioned Naitanui's true value, especially after witnessing his decline as a playing force over the past 18 months due to a series of groin issues.
But Kennedy has no doubts about Naitanui's worth, claiming the 201cm ruckman's unique talents makes him one of the most important players in the League.
"He's a superstar. His form might not be showing that at the moment, but the way he can turn the game on and light it up is better than anyone," Kennedy said on Friday.
"If I had a million bucks, I'd pay him to get him in my team.
"I'd love him to stay here and I'd take a pay cut for him.
"Hopefully he does sign that bit of paper and we lock him in for the next five years."
Kennedy backed Naitanui to replicate his 2012 All Australian form in the not-too-distant future.
"He's still a young player learning the ropes," Kennedy said.
"He's a ruckman but he's also an extra midfielder for us. He's a unique type of player, and that's why you pay him (so much)."
Naitanui has averaged just 11 disposals and 14 hit-outs per game across seven outings this year.
The 24-year-old will be aiming to put in a big show in Sunday's clash with Greater Western Sydney at Patersons Stadium.
The Eagles have slipped from first to ninth on the back of a four-game losing streak, but they will start as hot favourites against a Giants outfit missing star spearhead Jeremy Cameron.
