WINGED West Coast forward Simon Tunbridge is on track to start running again in the next two weeks as he recovers from radical knee surgery.

Tunbridge became the first Eagle to undergo a hybrid LARS repair last month after rupturing his left ACL in an innocuous training incident. 

After consulting surgeons and his teammates, he opted for the non-traditional knee reconstruction in a bid to get back on the field for a make-or-break 2017 season.

"I met with the surgeons, I met with the footy club and also had a chat to Eric Mackenzie, Nic Nat (Naitanui) and Mark LeCras as well, because they’ve all been through knee reconstructions," Tunbridge told westcoasteagles.com.au. 

"My dad probably copped the brunt of it all, but he was good. He wanted me to go down this path, so that’s where I’m at. 

"I finally met the surgeons and on the last day I had to make a decision. They got me across the line (regarding the hybrid LARS option) and they seemed pretty confident that they’d have a good result. 

"I should be back playing footy this year, so that’s probably the main thing that got me across this line." 

Tunbridge is facing a crucial season after being delisted and re-drafted as a rookie last year, and could be back playing by June. 

The 23-year-old has been building strength in his quad and hamstring since his operation and will soon resume running.

Tunbridge is on track to be on a similar training program to Naitanui, who had a traditional reconstruction last August, within the next month. 

"I just want to get running and get fit again," he said. 

"Hopefully everything from there goes to plan. I’m aiming to be back by the bye in the middle of the season."

Tunbridge has played 10 senior games – including three last season - since joining the Eagles via the 2011 NAB AFL Rookie Draft.