ADAM Simpson says Nic Naitanui's importance to West Coast is comparable to Patrick Dangerfield at Geelong or Nat Fyfe to Fremantle, but the Eagles coach is pleading for patience while the star ruckman finds his feet upon his much-anticipated AFL return.
The Eagles will regain their marquee man against Hawthorn this Saturday, and hope full-back Tom Barrass will overcome a corked calf in time to fly on Thursday.
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Simpson called for a grace period for Naitanui, who is back 11 months after his second knee reconstruction, and warned the reigning premiers wouldn't necessarily click into top gear straight away with him back.
He's a significant out for us this year. He's the Dangerfield of our side, he's one of our best players. Missing a Fyfe-type player is what Naitanui is for us - Adam Simpson
Incumbent ruck Tom Hickey has his nose in front to partner Naitanui, whose comeback will be managed similarly to early last season when he rucked and then headed for stints on the bench.
"He's a significant out for us this year. He's the Dangerfield of our side, he's one of our best players. Missing a Fyfe-type player is what Naitanui is for us," Simpson said.
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"We'd like to think we'd get better, but there's no guarantees on that, so it will take a bit of time to work that out.
West Coast Nic Naitanui taking a break from WAFL action. Picture: Getty Images
"Don't read too much into that. We're pretty happy Nic's back. It's like any top-line player that comes back into the side, how they fit back into the groove of AFL.
"It's been (since) round 17 last year, so we need to give Nic a little bit of patience.
"Everyone is really excited he's back. That's great. But there's also people who will jump on him straight away, which I guarantee you will happen at some stage before his career ends.
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"Just get a good balance is my plea. Let him find his feet."
Barrass trained briefly on Wednesday after suffering a corked calf late in his WAFL comeback from foot surgery alongside Naitanui last Saturday.
Injured defender Tom Barrass on the sidelines during West Coast's clash with Gold Coast. Picture: AFL Photos
With Jeremy McGovern's one-match suspension upheld by the Tribunal, the Eagles could be missing their key pillars down back.
They might need to switch emerging tall Oscar Allen to defence or recall Josh Rotham if Barrass fails to get up in time.
A forecast of up to 15mm of rain in Melbourne on Saturday could influence West Coast's match committee to pick a smaller backline if Barrass is unavailable.
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West Coast could also go for a zippy attack, with Simpson indicating his vote would be to retain Jarrod Cameron, despite small forward Willie Rioli returning from suspension.
Cameron kicked two goals on debut against Essendon and helped West Coast lock the ball in attack with his defensive pressure.
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The Eagles have built a dangerous fleet of small forwards, although premiership player Daniel Venables remains on the sidelines recovering from concussion suffered against Melbourne more than a month ago and is yet to return to training.
"We'd like to get him back this year. That's the goal," Simpson said.
"This is his first one (concussion), not to say you want more than one, but it was just a big knock.
"I think the longer term effects will subside, but the shorter term we need to be careful how we manage him."
