Nic Naitanui is on track to feature in West Coast’s fast-approaching JLT Community Series campaign, according to Eagles general manager of football Craig Vozzo.
In spite of adhering to a modified training program that has him working away from the man group at times, Naitanui is ticking all the boxes as he builds towards his first AFL appearance in 18 months.
“Big Nic, he is on track,” Vozzo said.
“Obviously it’s not a normal program, so he’s doing something that’s really specific to what has been tailored for Nic, as set by our [strength and conditioning] people, in combination with our medical (staff).
“He’s in and out of training when the main group trains, but the volume of his training has been really good. It’s a slow, graduated build up, very much with the JLT and then round one in mind.”
Vozzo also shared some positive news regarding two-time Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy, who could be running very soon following a recent bout of ankle surgery.
“We expect he’ll be doing some jogging next week and even, possibly, on track doing some running sessions by the end of next week,” Vozzo said.
Two other senior Eagles, Elliot Yeo and Andrew Gaff, are back on track following off-season niggles.
Yeo was troubled by a hip complaint, whereas Gaff was hindered by a lower limb issue that arose late last year.
“Elliot has made some really good progress over the last week or two. He’s really escalated his training and getting really good volumes up, so we are really confident we are on the right track with Elliot,” Vozzo revealed.
“Gaffy, we’ve been managing a foot/ankle issue that was lingering from the end of last season. He’s progressed well over the last couple of weeks and he’ll do more and more training next week as he builds up to full fitness.”
Luke Shuey is also working his way back from a minor hip injury he picked up earlier this year.
The 2016 John Worsfold medallist was an observer at two training sessions this week, but Vozzo expects him to increase his workload soon.
In less uplifting news, defender Eric Mackenzie has suffered a setback in his recovery from foot surgery.
Vozzo said the 2014 Club Champion’s right big toe was the source of the problem.
“It’s just flared up again. He’s gone back into a moon boot on the recommendation of our medical staff,” he confirmed.
“We’ll know more over the next couple of weeks, but we’ll take a conservative approach for at least two weeks and then reset from there, depending on how he responds.”
