NIC NAITANUI is back, again, and there is every reason to believe the explosive West Coast ruckman will have an even bigger impact than last year as the Eagles push for back-to-back flags.

In his first game for 343 days after his second knee reconstruction, Naitanui didn't just get through 64 minutes unscathed in the WAFL, he exerted a major influence as the Eagles' reserves thrashed East Fremantle 15.15 (105) to 4.9 (33).

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When Naitanui returned at the Sharks' home ground in a WAFL practice match last March there were hearts in mouths following nearly 19 months out of the game after a left ACL repair.

But he has made no secret his rehabilitation second time around, on his right knee, has been much smoother, and it showed on Saturday.

From the word go, Naitanui was leaping high, cat-like at ground level and covering plenty of territory.

He finished with 10 disposals, 25 hitouts, four tackles, three marks, three clearances and a rushed snap for a behind before being pulled early in the final quarter after playing eight-minute bursts.

"He blew up early, but hit back pretty well, got a bit of the footy, jumping well, moving well, all the athletic signs are pretty good so far," general manager football Craig Vozzo said.

"He's certainly physically in really good shape. He'll lean up a little bit as he plays more and more AFL footy, but we couldn't be happier with the physical conditioning.

"It will be good for Nic to get through this challenge mentally but also physically as well."

There were two 'wow' moments that would have seriously impressed the Eagles coaching group and a number of teammates – including Lewis Jetta, Jack Petruccelle and Oscar Allen – sitting in the stands.

The first was a highlight that would strike fear into most opposition midfields in the 6-6-6 era and came at the opening centre bounce of the second quarter.

Given the chance to run and jump, Naitanui climbed high over former Dockers big man Jon Griffin, palmed deftly into the path of Brendon Ah Chee, who hit the ball at pace, ran five metres and delivered inside 50 for Xavier O'Neill to snap truly. 

It was all in the space of 17 seconds. 

"If we can get that going at the next level it would be handy," Vozzo said.

"I think he's been thinking really broadly on his overall game. He's obviously had plenty of time to do that. His groundwork as well, how he can impact when the ball is on the ground.

"But certainly that 6-6-6 rule should help, particularly out the front."

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Shortly after, Naitanui lined up Sharks midfielder Morgan Davies on the wing and caught him holding the ball in a crunching front-on tackle, spilling the ball free for the Eagles to swoop and launch another attack.

Davies, who only stands 181cm and 75kg, was landed on by 201cm and 110kg Naitanui and came from the field after West Coast defender Francis Watson checked on his condition. 

"It was front-on and forceful. It looked good. It looked like he was confident and the guy, unfortunately for him, it was a fairly heavy hit," Vozzo said.

To his credit, Davies returned quickly and was one of East Fremantle's best.

By half-time, six of Naitanui's 12 hitouts were to advantage, although Griffin made him work in an ideal warm-up for Hawthorn big men Ben McEvoy and Jonathon Ceglar next Saturday at the MCG.

Key defender Tom Barrass should also be back for his first senior game since round four against the Hawks after a strong-marking display in his return from foot surgery.

Barrass was a roadblock down back and could be needed to fill Jeremy McGovern's intercept marking role after the three-time All Australian was offered a one-week ban for rough conduct.

Barrass appeared to hurt a calf late but the Eagles said the issue was a cork.

The Eagles are likely to challenge the suspension after McGovern pushed Essendon's Matt Guelfi over the boundary line early in West Coast's comfortable win on Thursday night.

Guelfi collided with a security guard's chair and the fence and was later taken to hospital in a taxi before being cleared of structural damage.

"We're still waiting on a little bit more information, but I think we might (challenge), we’ll see," Vozzo said.

"It (the chair) does complicate things and the vision is a bit skewed. You can't really tell exactly what's gone on through it as well.
"We haven't made a final call yet."

Nathan Vardy will also be available after his one-match ban, however incumbent ruck Tom Hickey appears the likely candidate to partner Naitanui, who is tipped to play about 70-80 minutes upon his senior return.

The Eagles also have the luxury of recalling goalsneak Willie Rioli from suspension after their victory over Essendon on Thursday night lifted them back inside the top four.