West Coast Eagles coach Adam Simpson says Nic Naitanui will play this season despite Achilles injury

West Coast coach Adam Simpson is confident star ruckman Nic Naitanui will play this season despite carrying a persistent Achilles injury.

Simpson and Naitanui are set to meet with the club doctor on Friday to determine their next step in his recovery from the heel injury that has plagued his season to date.

Naitanui, 32, has been a week-to-week proposition for much of the season until the weekend, when Simpson said he was unlikely to play until round five against Geelong.

The Eagles have just two fit ruckman ahead of the Western Derby on Sunday in Bailey Williams and draftee Harry Bartnett.

Callum Jamieson has an ankle injury while Jack Williams (spleen) is also sidelined, while Barnett is not ready for the rigours of AFL after his pre-season was hampered by an ankle injury.

It means Williams will be partnered by one of Oscar Allen, Jake Waterman or Harry Edwards - with Simpson not revealing who they’d use yet.

Simpson said the three-time All-Australian wouldn’t need surgery as they try to get him back on the park as soon as possible.

“I don’t think surgery is part of the conversation,” Simpson said.

“I think he will play this year, but I can’t comment until I get the full details.

“We will release something when the time is right, but he won’t be playing for a few weeks.”

It means the Eagles will face what Simpson labelled “the biggest challenge in the AFL” – competing against Dockers ruck duo Sean Darcy and Luke Jackson.

“Their number one in the hit-outs and I’m pretty sure we’re not number one or in the top four,” Simpson said

“It’s how we handle it. I thought last week we handled it pretty well, albeit the Giants had a young ruckman and a second stringer that was probably a bit like ours. It’s a bit different this week though.

“It’s something we’ve got to deal with while Nic’s not available and we’ve got some young blokes coming through.”

Simpson said he was hopeful midfielder Elliot Yeo would be available for next weekend’s game against Melbourne.