Star ruckman Nic Naitanui might need a rest before the end of the season but West Coast coach Adam Simpson is backing the big man to face Essendon on Tuesday night.

Naitanui has appeared in every match in a standout campaign which has him in strong contention for his second All Australian jacket.

The 30-year-old pulled up well from last Thursday night’s tough loss to Richmond coming off a four-day break and cross-country travel, and is eager to take on the Bombers in a crucial clash at the Gabba.

Simpson told Channel Seven resting Naitanui was discussed at match committee but the talismanic tall is determined to play.

“He did really well to come up after that four-day break, he was feeling fresh, and he’s feeling pretty good now,” Simpson said.

“There’s some games coming up, I think we’ve got another five-day break (before playing the Bulldogs) and then another four-day break (ahead of St Kilda), so trying to manage Nic as best we can.

“While he’s feeling good and recovering well he’ll play. But we anticipate maybe there will be a time when he needs a spell, but not yet.”

The Eagles have made four changes – including forced swaps for experienced forwards Josh Kennedy (concussion) and Jamie Cripps (personal) – and brought back superboot Lewis Jetta for his first game since round four.

“He’s worked really hard to get his fitness back. He was just a little bit off at the start of the year, like a lot of us were,” Simpson said.

“Unfortunately when he went out of the side we won eight in a row, so he’s now available, he’s fit, he’s ready to go, so he’ll play.”

The race for top eight spots is tightening as the regular season reaches its climax and the Eagles can control their own destiny in the last four games.

West Coast currently sits fifth with nine wins, and faces a buoyant Bombers outfit riding high after a come-from-behind victory over Hawthorn which kept John Worsfold’s men right in the finals mix.

“Really important game. Unfortunately we weren’t good enough (against Richmond) but we do get a chance to redeem ourselves pretty quickly,” Simpson said.

“The Bombers are up and about, we’ve made a few changes but we’re ready to go.”