WEST Coast coach Adam Simpson doesn't believe star ruckman Nic Naitanui is in danger of being suspended for next week's semi-final against Geelong or Collingwood at the MCG.
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Naitanui was placed on report for rough conduct when he shoved Essendon midfielder Zach Merrett into the fence in the Eagles' 55-point thumping of the Bombers in the first elimination final at Optus Stadium on Thursday night.
Merrett was also cited for misconduct for pulling Naitanui's hair.
"I don't think there's anything in that," Simpson said.
"I'm pre-empting he'll be fine.
"I think someone pulled his hair and he might have responded with that, but I don't think there's much in it, but who knows?"
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Merrett played out the game, which Simpson believed would work in Naitanui's favour.
"That seems to be the way the Tribunal works," he said.
"There was no injury, so I think he'll be OK, but who knows?"
Naitanui had a huge presence on the game in just his fourth game this season after missing the first half of the year recovering from a torn ACL.
It was also his first game since injuring his ankle in round 17 against Collingwood.
"He's probably the player with the biggest influence in our side," Simpson said.
"We've all moved on from, he doesn't take enough marks or he doesn't do this.
"I think we all now understand what he can produce, especially with the 6-6-6 rule, and all these things that have come in.
"He doesn't have to have a lot of possessions to have an influence."
The Eagles easily disposed of the Bombers to stay in the hunt to claim back-to-back flags.
But to do that, they will have to win three consecutive games on the road, starting with a trip to the MCG next week to face the loser of Friday night's qualifying final between the Cats and the Magpies.
"We're alive, we'll be playing at the 'G next Friday night, probably," Simpson said.
"That doesn't hold any real fears for us, but we understand it's a pretty big mountain to climb.
"Happy with tonight, but probably not satisfied yet."
Simpson said he was pleased with his side's four-quarter effort and that the experience of playing in three elimination finals in the past five years was an important factor in the result.
Defender Jackson Nelson didn't finish the game after sustaining a head knock, but Simpson said he was fine in the rooms after the game and it didn't appear to be too bad.
