NIC NAITANUI has taken another small step forward in his recovery from a knee reconstruction, joining match situation drills for the first time at West Coast training.

In a morale boost for the Eagles after their shocking performance against Essendon, the star ruckman was among the main group during Tuesday's one-hour session at Domain Stadium.

However, defender Sharrod Wellingham was missing and has been ruled out of Sunday's clash with GWS due to an ankle injury suffered in the horror loss to Essendon. 

The full AFL injury list: round 10

Naitanui looked in good physical condition and took part in exercises where players spread from a contest after a mark was taken, changing direction without any apparent concerns over his reconstructed left knee.

It was a minor but promising on-field step for the 201cm big man, who has performed more vigorous movements and changes of direction during his rehabilitation, according to the club. 

Naitanui had previously been limited to kicking and stationary handball exercises during open sessions. 

On Tuesday morning, he was in good spirits warming up with the main squad and left the track after about 45 minutes with a group of teammates. 

Earlier this month, coach Adam Simpson revealed Naitanui had turned a corner, declaring that the stability of the ruckman’s knee had improved after suffering his injury in round 22 last season.

West Coast has sorely missed the talismanic player’s presence this year, especially in heavy interstate losses against Hawthorn and the Bombers, and there is still hope he could return late in the campaign.

A decision whether to forge ahead with Naitanui’s comeback will be made after the Eagles' round 12 bye.

"He's such a dynamic player for us. We've had to adjust a lot of things and we're still working through those situations," Simpson told Fox Footy on Monday night. 

"Obviously having someone like him in the side makes you walk a bit taller – and he does have presence – I would've thought we'll make a decision after the bye about where he's at." 

West Coast's ruck stocks are in a healthier state following Drew Petrie's return from a broken hand for East Perth at the weekend, and Scott Lycett is also closing in on a comeback.

Lycett hasn't played since last year's elimination final due to a PCL reconstruction and shoulder surgery, but he has re-joined main training this week. 

"Being in rehab for just about nine months now has been a hard slog," Lycett told westcoasteagles.com.au. 

"Hopefully in the next couple of weeks I'll be stepping up my training and doing some contested work, so there's light at the end of the tunnel and I'm looking forward to finally playing some footy."

The earliest the 24-year-old could make his comeback would be in East Perth's next match against West Perth on June 5.

Josh Kennedy, Luke Shuey and Brad Sheppard were unsighted at Tuesday training but aren't on the injury list.

Matthew Allen is in a moon boot and a stress reaction in his foot will sideline the second-year key forward for about five-to-six weeks.