West Coast coach John Worsfold says ruckman Nic Naitanui is ready to play close to a full game in Saturday’s AFL clash with Brisbane at the Gabba.
Naitanui was used as a sub in last week’s 70-point win over the Bulldogs, with the 2012 All-Australian playing around 40 minutes in his first match back from groin surgery.
The 23-year-old pulled up well from that hit-out, and Worsfold revealed the club’s medical staff had given Naitanui the green light to play around 90 minutes against the Lions.
“It’s about what he would have played on average last year. Maybe 100 minutes last year. So that’s good news,” Worsfold said on Wednesday.
“He’ll ruck and play forward. In that 90 minutes, he could easily split that 50-50.”
Worsfold was also confident star midfielder Luke Shuey would recover from a corked calf in time to play the Lions.
Wingman Matt Rosa, who has played three games in the WAFL since recovering from a leg injury, is a chance to earn selection, while Andrew Embley (foot) and Adam Selwood are also in the frame.
Worsfold said vice-captain Beau Waters (adductor) and Sam Butler (calf) would miss another week.
Brisbane are set to be boosted by the return of classy veteran Simon Black, who has played three games in the reserves since recovering from off-season knee surgery.