West Coast coach Adam Simpson is hopeful he can get Josh Kennedy fit for the start of the AFL season despite having to “de-load” the star forward.

Kennedy jogged and walked laps on Monday at training, taking a step back after his heavy running loads during the Christmas period.

Simpson said it was important to take a cautious approach with the 31-year-old, who underwent off-season shoulder surgery.

“We just had a bit of a de-load on JK as he went really hard pre-Christmas and in January, so we’ll build him back up and get him up for round one, hopefully,” Simpson said.

“We’ve just got to be patient with his body and understand he’s not 24 anymore.

“If he pulls up a bit sore, we pull him back.”

Elliot Yeo (toe), Jeremy McGovern (ribs), Tom Barrass (foot), Daniel Venables (knee) and Jake Waterman (ankle) are others on the comeback trail from injuries.

West Coast’s premiership defence begins on March 23 when they take on Brisbane at the Gabba.