IT'S OMINOUS news for opposition ruckman, but West Coast big man Nic Naitanui remains fresh as he enters the second half of the season.

He told AFL.com.au after the win against Melbourne that the "body is in good nick" and he hopes the Eagles can "just keep doing what we're doing".

What the Eagles are doing is winning and Naitanui is a huge factor in that good form.

After battling a groin injury throughout 2013 and 2014, the 2012 All-Australian has been back to his best this season.

Against Melbourne Naitanui had 14 hit-outs to advantage – below his season high of 19 against Essendon in round 11, but his dominance in the first quarter set the tone for the game.

Just before quarter-time the Eagles led the hit-outs 17-2 and hit-outs to advantage 7-0. They also had an advantage in the clearances of 12-6.

Naitanui says they focused on making a strong start to the game and achieved that aim.

"You can fall into the trap of being a bit lazy after the bye," he said.

"The contested possession was the first thing we wanted to win and clearances as well."

Naitanui's presence around the stoppages is crucial to the Eagles as he creates space and makes it difficult for opposition midfielders to be proactive.

He said the combination with talented ruck/forward Callum Sinclair was working well and helping him remain fresh.

The two have been working in tandem since round five and the Eagles have only lost one game since Sinclair returned.

"We can really share the load in the middle," Naitanui said.

"If we keep getting that right we will help our midfielders out."