Star ruckman Nic Naitanui is thrilled West Coast’s season will begin as planned against Melbourne, providing some joy to fans amid uncertain times.

The talismanic big man will also relish a mouthwatering battle against Demons giant Max Gawn, despite the obvious disappointment of supporters being unable to attend at Optus Stadium this Sunday.

“Yeah, it’s great news (round one is going ahead),” Naitanui told Channel Seven.

“There was a lot of uncertainty whether we would play or not. To have a final decision and to see us running out there and doing what we get paid to do is a really good bonus for us this year.

“It’s a tough time globally for everyone in the world. There has been talk about players taking pay cuts and not playing 22 rounds throughout the year but that’s minimal in comparison to some of the hits other people are taking and other sectors are facing at the moment.

“I feel it’s almost an obligation for us to play to our best ability – not only to entertain the public – but to help some of those who rely on footy for their everyday needs, some of the workers have uncertainty every day whether they’re going to have a job.

“If we can keep playing footy and help put food on the table, we’re doing our job.”

AFL players gave their approval for the season to commence after lengthy discussions this week and Naitanui was comfortable playing games in the current environment.

“Not too worried. I think the biggest thing the AFL has done from the outset is try and implement rules and ways to stay corona virus-free and to stay fit and healthy,” he said.

“There is a lot of trust going into my teammates, but other players in other teams and their staff that they’re doing the right thing and helping mitigate this situation.

“No fear about playing football, it’s more so when we are traveling or when we’re in hotels or exposed outside of that, because I think the AFL as a collective and as a playing group we’re all doing the right steps to stay pretty healthy and pretty clean.”