Star Eagles ruckman has been battling a niggling groin injury.
West Coast Eagles coach Josh Worsfold hinted his key ruckman Nic Naitanui will be rested at some point before the end of the AFL season.
Despite his side losing four of their last five games and dropping to 10th on the ladder, Worsfold said a niggling going injury has kept him from performing at his best.
Last weekend’s game against the Sydney Swans at home was the side’s last chance to keep their faint finals hopes.
But after going down by 34 points, one of the pre-season favourites to win the flag in 2013, Worsfold said they would not risk more damage to Naitanui.
“I’m reading Nic’s future for the next seven or eight or maybe 10 years at West Coast,” Worsfold said.
“We’ve got to make the right decision for the long term benefit of each player as well as major benefit for the West Coast Eagles into the future.”
It’s a tough one to manage and our decision will be around Nic’s immediate welfare and his long term welfare as well.”
“We want him to have a long and brilliant career here at West Coast.
“We monitor it pretty much daily with all of our medical staff and with Nic.
“So in consultation with all of that group we will make the correct calls.
“It may be a rest at some point in the near future.
“But we will manage that as we go.”
West Coast travel to Etihad Stadium this weekend and they could add valuable experience to the side, with news Daniel Kerr made a successful return for East Fremantle in the WAFL.
COMMENTS