West Coast star Nic Naitanui will miss Saturday night’s AFL clash with Hawthorn following the death of his mother.

Naitanui’s mother Atetha died on Friday, with the Eagles granting the star ruckman compassionate leave.

Ruckman Scott Lycett has been named to replace Naitanui against the Hawks at Domain Stadium.

Lycett hasn’t played since being dropped following the club’s round-four win over the Brisbane Lions.

Naitanui’s mum moved back to Fiji last year after spending 25 years living in Australia.

The circumstances surrounding her death are unknown.

Naitanui was just two years old when his father Bola died of cancer, leaving Atetha to raise Naitanui and his twin brother Mark.

Naitanui credits his mum for helping instil the strong values that have helped make him one of the most popular figures in the AFL.