WEST Coast is preparing to unleash exciting small forwards Willie Rioli and Liam Ryan behind closed doors as part of a new-look forward line for Sunday's practice match against Fremantle.

Rioli is close to returning after copping a knee knock during AFLX and could be paired with high-flying Ryan for the first time at Subiaco Oval.

Ryan thrilled spectators with plenty of spectacular marking attempts against Port Adelaide in the Eagles' opening JLT Community Series clash and booted a goal in a promising performance.

"It would be great to have them both in the forward line together," assistant coach Daniel Pratt said.

"It depends how we structure up this week, but it will be great to see those two running around.

"I'm sure they can produce some pretty special things when they play together."

Father-son Jake Waterman and fellow tall forward Jarrod Brander, the club's first pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft at No.13 overall, could also be in the frame, with spearhead Josh Kennedy sidelined following ankle surgery.

The Eagles plan on fielding about 25 players in Sunday's clash, which will be a lockout for fans due to Subiaco Oval being decommissioned.

"It'll be a bit of a younger squad than last week," Pratt said.

"Willie's got to get through training today, and then there will be a couple of other guys who didn't get an opportunity last week we might be able to give a run to.

"There was a bit of swelling (in Willie's knee). There wasn't too much internal damage, it was more the function of his knee and he couldn't get going.

"It's a no-risk policy with guys like him this time of year."

Jeremy McGovern isn't expected to play, although Pratt said the star defender could yet be cleared tomorrow after suffering concussion from a collision with Robbie Gray last Sunday.

Meanwhile, Nic Naitanui is still on target for his first game in 18 months in the Eagles' last JLT clash with Fremantle on March 11 at Joondalup, and trained with the main group on Thursday.

"As long as everything goes to plan, we're hoping to get some minutes into him in that next game," Pratt said.

Kennedy took a step forward in his race against time for the season-opener by rejoining training earlier this week, but 2014 club champion Eric Mackenzie (toe) has only recently shed his moon boot.

"He's (Mackenzie) been out on the track with the boys helping out, keeping him engaged with the group, which is important," Pratt said.

"He's an experienced campaigner – he missed a whole season (in 2015 due to a knee reconstruction) – so he's in a pretty good headspace at the moment.

"But if we can get him back round five or six, that would be great."