NIC Naitanui is struggling to be fit for West Coast’s season opener against Sydney, with the Eagles ruckman no certainty to play any part in the JLT Community Series.
The Eagles have already ruled Naitanui out of their opening JLT clash against Port Adelaide this Sunday.
Naitanui is highly doubtful for Round 1 if he sits out West Coast’s final practice match against Fremantle on March 11.
The 27-year-old missed the entire 2017 season after rupturing his ACL in Round 22, 2016 and his return to footy is likely to be via the WAFL with East Perth.
West Coast had been optimistic Naitanui would be ready for the Swans on March 25 after he started training with the main group earlier this month.
Naitanui was an outside chance of returning during last year’s finals series before the Eagles decided not to take the risk.
