WEST Coast is preparing to lose Nathan Vardy for the early rounds of the 2018 campaign after the big man went down with a nasty groin injury during Sunday's practice match against Fremantle.
AFL.com.au understands Vardy is likely to be sidelined for at least a month after collapsing to the ground during the fourth quarter at Lathlain Park.
The 26-year-old appears set to miss the season-opening blockbuster against Sydney and seems doubtful to be back in time to take on the Western Bulldogs in round two at Etihad Stadium on April 1.
It continues a wretched run for the former Cat, who managed only 25 games in seven injury-plagued years at Geelong.
But under the guidance of West Coast's medical team last year the talented 200cm big man managed to produce the best football of his career.
Vardy made 22 appearances, leading the ruck with support from now-retired Drew Petrie in the absences of star Nic Naitanui and sidekick Scott Lycett.
Naitanui is still on the comeback trail from his knee reconstruction and unlikely to return in this Sunday's JLT Community Series tune-up against the Dockers.
If the talismanic ruckman doesn't face Freo, it is understood the Eagles haven't ruled out the remarkable prospect of Naitanui making his long-awaited return to football in an East Perth practice match against South Fremantle on March 17.
The Eagles open their season in the first AFL game at Optus Stadium eight days later.
West Coast is being cautious not to rush Naitanui, with the club placing more emphasis on preparing him to get through the majority of the season than having him back for the early rounds.
The Eagles are counting on Scott Lycett to continue to stand up after making an impressive comeback from a year ruined by shoulder issues.
Lycett competed strongly against Port Adelaide's All Australian big man Paddy Ryder in the club's first pre-season hit-out and was among the Eagles' best after taking on Aaron Sandilands and Sean Darcy on Sunday.
In light of West Coast's injury issues, hard-working forward-ruck Fraser McInnes is firming to add to his 11 career games early this season after impressing against the Dockers.
McInnes, who shared East Perth's club champion award last year, could also help cover for Josh Kennedy (ankle) if the dual Coleman medallist isn't ready for round one.
