Eagles delay decision on Naitanui comeback

Jun 13, 2017 - 12:58 AM West Coast have delayed making a decision on whether Nic Naitanui will return this season, while coach Adam Simpson says forward Josh Kennedy will require a "miracle" to face Geelong on Thursday night.

The Eagles originally planned to use the bye week to make a final call on whether to push ahead with plans for Naitanui to return this year.

The 2012 All-Australian ruckman is making steady progress from a knee reconstruction, and is a chance to return at the tail-end of the home-and-away season if everything goes to plan.

But the Eagles are also considering wrapping him in cotton wool until next season, with the club to give Naitanui several more weeks on the track before making a final call.

"He's making all the right noises and taking the right steps, so we want to give it a couple more weeks before we make a full decision," Simpson told Channel Seven.

"We know it's a seven-or-eight week pre-season he's got to undergo once he's fully up and available.

"There will come a time soon when we've got to make a call on it, but at the moment it's all heading in the right direction."

Kennedy hasn't played since injuring his calf in the round 10 loss to GWS on May 28.

The two-time Coleman medallist remains hopeful of facing Geelong at Domain Stadium on Thursday night - nine days earlier than his scheduled return.

However, Simpson poured cold water on the idea.

"I don't think Josh will get up," Simpson told Perth radio station 6PR.

"He's probably not going to get up unless there's some sort of miracle in the next couple of days.

"We need to see him train."

Ruckman Scott Lycett is also set to miss the Geelong clash as he builds up match fitness following a lengthy stint on the sidelines.

Lycett, who was grounded by a knee injury over summer before injuring his shoulder in the pre-season, played 60 minutes for East Perth on June 5.

A bye for East Perth last weekend robbed Lycett of the chance to build on his progress, and the 24-year-old will be given another WAFL hitout before being considered for an AFL recall.

Defender Sharrod Wellingham is expected to be available after recovering from an ankle injury.

West Coast have struggled in the absence of both Naitanui and Lyett.

The Eagles (6-5) have lost three games on the trot to slip to ninth, and they'll need to beat Geelong (8-3) this week to stay within striking distance of the top four.

Source: AAP