NIC NAITANUI'S 2017 season is now a write-off with the star West Coast ruckman set to have a traditional knee reconstruction on Wednesday afternoon.
The Eagles spent the past 24 hours exploring all surgery options - including a hybrid LARS-hamstring graft that can produce a quicker recovery time - but they have opted for a traditional hamstring graft to repair the ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
It is a serious blow for the Eagles' flag hopes for both this year and next, with Naitanui now likely to miss the entire 2017 season.
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West Coast's orthopaedic consultant Dr Peter Annear will perform the surgery on Wednesday afternoon with assistance from colleague Dr Greg Hogan, who is also a consultant for the club.
The hamstring graft is the most common for AFL players. Players who do have the hamstring graft are prone to hamstring weakness post-surgery and can suffer strains and tears during the recovery period, but the Eagles will be ultra-cautious with Naitanui over the 10 to 12-month recovery period.
Eagles ruckman Scott Lycett will be forced to shoulder the load in Naitanui's absence, but he has pulled up sore from Friday night's win over Hawthorn.
Lycett suffered a knee knock in a ruck contest. He was carrying a corked thigh from the win over Greater Western Sydney but he is expected to recover in time for Friday's crucial clash with Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.
Young defender Tom Barrass also needs to get through another training session to be passed fit to play after being rested last week due to shin soreness, but the Eagles expect him to be available.
West Coast will travel to Adelaide on Wednesday.
