THE RARE sight of Nic Naitanui buoyed West Coast training on Tuesday, amid fresh optimism about ruck partner Scott Lycett's comeback date from a long-term knee injury.
Naitanui is still running awkwardly in his recovery from a ruptured left ACL in round 22 last season, but kicked comfortably on his right foot and took part in stationary handball exercises at Wembley Sports Park.
Simon Tunbridge also made an appearance with a bandage on his left knee, which was reconstructed by radical hybrid LARS surgery in December, and joined in handball work.
The rookie-listed forward is set to catch-up with Naitanui's rehabilitation in coming weeks before eventually overtaking the star ruckman as he aims for a return midway through the premiership season.
Meanwhile, Lycett continues to take significant strides forward from his PCL reconstruction and is firming to potentially line up in round one against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.
The 24-year-old big man was kept on lighter duties on Tuesday, but has been stepping up his workload recently and could reportedly play late in the JLT Community Series.
"He is back in training now and doing a couple of drills and moving really well, so I'm excited to see what the next month holds for him," midfield coach Dean Cox told TAB Radio.
"The closer we do get to games it will start to unfold when he will be ready for the AFL season."
The Eagles will kick-off their pre-season campaign by taking a young squad to face Greater Western Sydney on February 18.
But Lycett could be in the frame for their final clash against Melbourne at Domain Stadium on March 9.
Facing a ruck crisis at the end of last season, West Coast's big man stocks now seem relatively healthy with recruit Nathan Vardy recently overcoming a knock to his left knee and rejoining training.
Jonathan Giles is currently hampered by a left hand issue, although it appears to only be a minor complaint.
Giles only marked with his right hand and completed some tap-work under Cox's guidance before joining the rehabilitation group on Tuesday.
Liam Duggan (hamstring) and West Coast's top draftee Daniel Venables (foot) were also on light duties, while Sam Mitchell (ankle) appeared untroubled in full-ground drills before leaving the main session early.
Emerging defender Tom Barrass was back in main training after his crash landing from a marking contest at training last week.
AFL and club access members will have free general admission entry to JLT Community Series matches in which their club is competing (subject to availability, upgrade fees may be applicable). Click here to learn more.
