West Coast coach John Worsfold remains hopeful Mark Nicoski will be able to return at the tail end of the AFL season despite the forward’s latest setback.
Nicoski was initially set to miss at least the first 12 weeks of the season after rupturing a tendon in his left hamstring in West Coast’s pre-season grand final loss to Adelaide two weeks ago.
But in a fresh blow, Nicoski’s comeback will be delayed even further after confirmation he requires a second round of surgery – putting his whole season in doubt.
Although the initial operation on his hamstring went well, leg spasms in the ensuing days undid the repair work.
Nicoski, who booted 41 goals last season, will consult the club’s medical staff to determine the next course of surgery.
Worsfold compared the injury to the ones suffered by St Kilda’s Nick Riewoldt and Hawthorn’s Josh Gibson in 2010.
Both returned to play later that year.
“I’m pretty sure Nico has already spoken to Josh Gibson about his recovery program,” Worsfold said on Wednesday.
“We’re still hopeful that he’ll get into a good rehab program and be ready to go later this year.
“He’s obviously pretty devastated.
“He’s got a job to do now.
“It’s his responsibility as part of this club to do the best rehab he can and be available to play good footy for us later in the year.
“Having a positive mindset will assist with that.”
Mark LeCras (knee) and Nicoski combined for 88 goals last season, with their absence leaving a massive void in the Eagles’ attack.
Josh Hill is almost certain to earn his Eagles debut in Sunday’s clash with his former side the Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium, while Ashton Hams and Gerrick Weedon are also in the mix.
Worsfold confirmed both Quinten Lynch (hamstring) and Josh Kennedy (foot) were on track to feature against the Bulldogs.
And midfielder Chris Masten is also fit for selection after recovering from a heavy knock to the face at training last week.
“I’m not going to disclose whether there was or wasn’t,” Worsfold replied when asked whether Masten had fractured his face in the incident.
“When I saw him, I expected him to have a little bit of a black eye from the knock, but he didn’t even have a black eye. So I don’t know what he was complaining about.”