West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui says he still has a glimmer of hope of playing again this season, and has vowed to do everything he can to stave off the surgeon’s knife.
The Eagles feared Naitanui’s season was over after scans showed he had suffered a significant syndesmosis injury to his right ankle in the round 17 loss to Collingwood.
Specialists who looked over the scans wanted to book Naitanui in for surgery.
But the 29-year-old is desperate to play again this season, and hopes his ankle will hold up well to weight-bearing exercises over the coming weeks.
“The scans weren’t too pretty after the game,” Naitanui told channel 7.
“Initially it looked like I was going to have to have surgery straight away in the first couple of days.
“But the last few days have put a bit of a smile on my face, because it means I can avoid that and I’ve got a glimmer of hope of playing some finals footy.
“It might only be small, but it’s something, and I’ll hang onto that.
“We’re going to look at it in fortnightly blocks and just go from there and see how I progress once I start weight bearing with walking, running, and jumping.
“I’ve got to get through these two weeks, otherwise they’ll shut me down.”
The hardness of the Optus Stadium surface has been blamed for a series of leg, ankle and foot injuries suffered by West Coast and Fremantle players.
But Naitanui doesn’t think it played a role in his injury – saying the weight of teammate Jeremy McGovern falling on him was the cause.
West Coast are a game clear in third spot, and just 1.4 percentage points adrift of the Lions.
Eagles coach Adam Simpson is optimistic skipper Shannon Hurn and McGovern will be fit to take on North Melbourne in Perth on Saturday.
Hurn missed Sunday’s 13-point win over Melbourne after injuring his calf at training a day earlier.
McGovern rolled his ankle during the match, but was able to play out the game.
“The early signs are good,” Simpson told channel 7 when asked about McGovern’s injury.
“I think it’s just the standard rolled ankle, which you don’t get many of them anymore. It’s normally something more sinister. So we think he’s ok.
“He’ll have a light week, and he should be available this weekend.”
“He (Hurn) woke up (on Monday morning) and couldn’t feel (his calf strain). So we’re hopeful he’ll make a return to play this week as well.”
BBQ Bill
Guest
As an Eagles fan I would hope that's the scenario, a GF win of any sort over the Lions. But it's such a close and unpredictable comp this season, I'm wary of the Lions causing a 'Doggies' upset or storm home. Mind you, I think most would agree that playing the Eagles in a finals will be nothing like playing them in round 1 at the Gabba, a different beast entirely. *Re NicNat coming back, I wish he would drop some weight! It would be a wonderful dream-come-true for the man and the team to get through to another GF win. But if he is back for finals, I hope he can make it through without further serious injury, am not confident. If he did make it through that finals journey, how fit would he be I wonder, and how much impact would he have?
DingoGray
Roar Guru
possibly, but we've seen how close the AFL competition is and anyone can beat anyone..... Who know's what happens?
michael RVC
Roar Pro
Peter’s probably right Dingo, but (hypothetically) a rabid Bris might frighten the WCE on the day enough to make it interesting or more. Remember what Rich did to Adel a few years back. A bit more of a stretch ‘cos i don’t see WCE dropping their bottom lip like Adel did, but you never know.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Sorry Dingo but an Eagles v Lions GF would result in the worst GF since 2007. Would be Lions to the Slaughter with Eagles pecking at your carcass and winning by 80+.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I'd actually barrack for you guys in a West Coast v Richmond GF. That would feel weird.
anon
Roar Pro
I'm talking about Nick Nat being too big. His joints aren't strong enough to carry the weight.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
It was McGovern who was too big... Didn't you read the article? Plus he's 11th on the height list for current players and eighth on the weight list, not that you'd do any research
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Everyone wants Nic Nat playing finals footy. Get right big fella. Want a full-strength Eagles when my Lions fulfil my wildest dreams......
Larrikin
Roar Rookie
i hope the Eagles end up top 2 so we get 2 home finals again , the vic's will be shaking in their boots big time ...again
anon
Roar Pro
He’s just too big isn’t he? You’d think about trading him if you were West Coast.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Way too long!
Klompy
Guest
Lets hope that Nick Nait will get back for the finals for the mighty Eagles. It would be great for the Eagles if Gaff Sheppard and Naitanui are all in the side and playing in the grand Final for a chance for back to back premierships.
User
Roar Rookie
No doubt that nic is the classiest person off field in the AFL and would be great if he is able to get going again as it's been to long since we had him in finals.
Rissole
Roar Rookie
So many quality players on the sidelines for all teams. Would love to see the big fella playing in finals.
WCE
Roar Rookie
how good would it be to see Nic nat, Shep and Gaffy in the GF to make up for last year . Having big Nic in the side for finals would scare the hell out of the opposition
PriddisJunior
Roar Rookie
Good stuff. Like slobbo said last night, everyone fears the premiers will get two home finals. Now those wise man from the east will lose sleep over nic nat playing finals.