West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui says he will have no fears when he makes his highly-anticipated AFL return in Saturday’s clash with Hawthorn at the MCG.
Eagles coach Adam Simpson confirmed on Monday that Naitanui will be named against the Hawks.
Naitanui tore the ACL in his right knee in his previous appearance at the MCG – a round 17 win over Collingwood last year.
The 29-year-old made a successful playing return in the WAFL last Saturday, tallying 10 disposals, 25 hitouts, four tackles, and three marks in 64 minutes of action.
Naitanui pulled up with the expected general soreness after that game, but it won’t stop him from fronting the Hawks.
The 2012 All-Australian has now undergone a reconstruction on each knee, but says he holds no fears ahead of his latest return.
“It would be really exciting to get back out there. A feeling of elation as well,” Naitanui said.
“(The MCG) is where I did my knee last time.
“I don’t think I will have any fears of the ground or the opposition at all, it will be more so just a bit of excitement to be back out there playing footy.
“These guys train me pretty hard behind closed doors. Playing a game is probably the least of my worries.
“And getting injured in a game – they whack me enough here at training. So not fearful at all.”
Naitanui doesn’t believe he’s lost any of his trademark leap, and he’s looking forward to taking advantage of the AFL’s new 6-6-6 rule.
“I still think I can jump just as well as in the past,” Naitanui said.
“My recent knee I had done was my right one. I jump off my left leg, so I don’t think it’s going to change too much.”
Naitanui made a stunning return from his first knee reconstruction, and hopes are high he can repeat that effort.
West Coast will play two ruckmen while Naitanui works his way back to full fitness, with Tom Hickey the favourite to get the nod ahead of Nathan Vardy.
Naitanui signed a three-year contract extension on Sunday, tying him to the Eagles until the end of 2022.
The 161-game veteran was thankful for the show of faith from the club, given he now has two “compromised knees”.
“I think I’ve still got a lot of good footy ahead of me,” Naitanui said.
West Coast will welcome back Willie Rioli from suspension against the Hawks, but Jeremy McGovern will miss unless the Eagles can successfully overturn his one-match ban at the AFL tribunal.
IAP
Guest
By champion data? hahaha
BBQ Bill
Guest
Nic brings a lot more value to the club than just being a ruckman, marketing, merchandise, branding, community work-he's basically a masthead. Very astute work keeping him that long. You'd presume they know what they're doing, possibly more than yourself given their inside positions...?
User
Roar Rookie
That west Australian piece you talk of was an opinion piece by Mark readings not a research piece. If wce want some one it'll happen.
shifty
Roar Rookie
Keep it up Pete, I always enjoy abit of anti WCE bile. Makes a pleasant change from all the pro WCE bile we get served up by the WA media.
Scott
Guest
Bollicks. If everyone who supports a team sees that a player on that team is awesome, thats what makes it true. 100% of people that watch 100% of his games say it’s true. Who gives the slightest toss what all the impartial people think, they only see PART of what he does. If your interested in stats then what about this one. Nic Nat was ranked the 7th most effective player in the competition last year according to champion data, despite playing only 59% game time. Think about that, he was 1 spot behind Dustin Martin in 6th and 11 spots ahead of Tom Mitchell, the Brownlow winner in 18th. He only played 59% of the game and was recovering from an ACL. But yeah, all those impartial people know what a dud he is
IAP
Guest
If all of the impartial people say it, but only the one-eyed true believers don't, then maybe there's a grain of truth to it. Did you know that people who aren't Eagles supporters do watch Eagles games? Hard to believe I know, but it's true.
IAP
Guest
Can't argue with that. I'm glad I don't live there anymore.
IAP
Guest
Haha, it's true. That's what the internet's for.
Aus in Engerland
Roar Rookie
Thanks Jonboy, It was Tom Boyd I was thinking of. It was mental health/lost the love of the game rather than physical injury. But he cancelled his contract, got paid out a reduced figure for 2019 and gave back the salary cap space for 2 years. So it can be done if instigated by the player rather than the club.
Jack
Guest
I assume that you’re talking about Rioli and Ryan? I’d add Cripps, Petrucelle and Cameron to that list and another tall in Oscar Allen. It’s an incredibly potent forward line and they have one of the best defences in the game. I think Nic is going to have a huge impact out of the centre square and at stoppages. His follow up work on the ground is significant. WC mids have been setting up defensively at bounces but they can now get on the offence when Nic is there. Can’t wait to see the big fella back in action.
User
Roar Rookie
You have reverted to Peter the snide, good for you fella.
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
That's a good call AiE.
Aus in Engerland
Roar Rookie
Not necessarily. If he does another knee in a bad way and has to stop playing, I can see him doing the right thing and retiring, he's that sort of a bloke. Cancels the rest of his contract and is re-employed as a ruck coach. I seem to recall someone else did early retirement and salary cap return; just can't remember who.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Excuse me for not losing any sleep Nolzie
Scott
Guest
That’s the typical response from non eagles supporters. He does half a dozen game changing things every game that don’t get registered on the stat sheet. He got 3 brownlow votes from a 12 possession, 1 goal game before. Fans only truly know the players in their own team and mainly base opposition players off stats. I bet there are a few perceptions of players in the team you support that are incorrect. I’ll give you another inside truth that only Eagles fans know. Andrew Gaff is our 3rd best midfielder!
Scott
Guest
I reckon Grundy is the exception along with Nic Nat when he was younger These were the ages of the All Australian ruckman before last year. Your prob right with that age range but there are still a few good years after 30 if the ruckman is good. Nic Nat is good. 2017 Paddy Ryder (29) 2016 Max Gawn (25) 2015 Todd Goldstein (27) 2014 - Aaron Sandilands (31) 2013 - Will Minson (27) 2012 - Nic Nat (23), Dean Cox (31) 2011 Dean Cox (30)
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
I don't think its a dislike of the eagles i think its good old banter, Peter V Matti 6x6 . Just like last week Matti 6x6 V Macca. Nothing to do with the clubs. Strong Debate.
Nolzie
Roar Rookie
100% Paul! Peter's dislike of the Eagles has turned what used to be insightful comments into complete dribble..
Jonboy
Roar Rookie
Article in the '' West Aust.'' says the cats are very keen to get Darcy back home to Geelong. With Sandilands and Lobb returning later in the year he may get pushed out again. Not my preference but time will tell i guess.
Nolzie
Roar Rookie
Guarantee WCE have Kelly or Cogs by 2020