West Coast forward Mark Nicoski will put 14 months of frustrating rehabilitation behind him when he makes his long-awaited playing return in the WAFL on Saturday.

Nicoski hasn’t played since tearing the hamstring off his bone during the 2012 pre-season grand final against Adelaide.

The 29-year-old has endured a myriad of hiccups during his recovery from surgery, but has enjoyed a smoother ride over the past month and is ready to resume his stop-start career.

Nicoski is expected to play between 60-70 minutes for Subiaco’s reserves team in their clash with Perth on Saturday.

“It’s been pretty tough for him,” Eagles coach John Worsfold said.

“But he never once took his focus off what he’s about, which is he wants to be playing good enough footy to be considered for selection in the senior team.

“His first step is to get back playing footy, so he’s back to that.

“But that’s not where it ends for him. Now he wants to play enough footy, and good enough footy, to say, ‘I’m available to play for you’.”

Daniel Kerr (knee), Chris Masten (illness) and Beau Waters (adductor) are all set to return for Friday night’s clash with North Melbourne, while veteran wingman Andrew Embley is also a chance to play after overcoming a recent foot injury.