NIC NAITANUI is almost certain to be back for West Coast's first final, with the star ruckman jumping again and expected to resume full training next week after overcoming his ankle injury.
FULL INJURY LIST Who's ruled out and who's a test?
The Eagles can still finish anywhere from first to fifth, and won't know who they will open their September campaign against until after round 23.
But coach Adam Simpson is increasingly confident his marquee big man will be available once the bid for back-to-back flags enters the business end of the season.
Nic Naitanui has managed just three senior appearances this season. Picture: AFL Photos
"(Naitanui) started jumping during the week, so I think he's on track hopefully to be playing in the first week of the finals," Simpson said.
"We'll see how we go. He's got to tick … probably two more boxes, but he's on the right path.
"I think he'll train fully next week.
"He's pulling up well."
It has been six weeks since Naitanui damaged his syndesmosis against Collingwood, and his progress has been encouraging after he avoided surgery.
It seems unlikely West Coast would risk him in a return via the WAFL, but if the Eagles' reserves qualify for the start of state league finals next week they could submit a special request by next Tuesday.
"I'm not sure if the WAFL are going to give us permission to play Nic Nat in a final, I don't know if that's going to work," Simpson said.
"We might ask, but we'll see how we go."
Simpson's immediate focus is on facing Hawthorn at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.
The Hawks can still finish eighth if they upset West Coast and Adelaide defeats the Bulldogs.
Meanwhile, the Eagles could know before the game whether one of their paths into the top two has opened up if Geelong loses to Carlton.
"We're not taking this game lightly at all, we think it's going to be a real battle," Simpson said.
"They're playing for a similar prize to us with a spot in the eight, so it's going to be game on.
"I think we're one of many games, it's going to be like a final.
"It's tight for us, I think it's tight for a few sides."
He's got to tick … probably two more boxes, but he's on the right path - Adam Simpson on Nic Naitanui
West Coast has recalled Liam Duggan from an ankle issue along with Chris Masten, who remains out of contract along with fellow veterans Will Schofield and Lewis Jetta.
"We've been really happy with his form this year," Simpson said of Masten.
"He's been squeezed out a couple of times, but that's (Masten's contract) something we're working through.
"He's getting to the back end of his career, but his role that he plays for us is really important."
Simpson also revealed he sent a message to sacked Fremantle coach Ross Lyon after the tumultuous events of Tuesday at West Coast's crosstown rivals.
"I flicked him a quick text, yeah. There's only 18 of us (coaches), so he's one of the brotherhood," he said.
"Not that's it part of my day-to-day business, but I think he handled himself really well."
Find AFL Exchange on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Spotify.
