Dominant ruck Nic Naitanui hopes to keep playing more minutes deeper into this season and believes less wrestling his opponent at stoppages can keep him fresher for longer.

Naitanui’s game time bumped up from 66 per cent in round one against Gold Coast to 72 in Sunday’s thriller against the Western Bulldogs, and the big man exerted a huge influence at Marvel Stadium.

His 11 clearances was an equal career-high, and he dominated the ruck with 40 hit-outs in another sublime display from the reigning John Worsfold medallist, flying in the face of doubters who suggested his impact may be limited by rule changes designed to keep the Sherrin in motion.

Instead, Naitanui suggested less stoppages, and energy spent trying to 'move a fridge', could help him play more minutes – and he spent the majority of the frantic final term on the field on Sunday.

“Definitely. You try to move a fridge the whole day and do a bit of removalist stuff and you’ll be tired too,” Naitanui told reporters on Tuesday morning.

“I think that just gives you the ability to get around the ground. If that’s the way I’ve got to play a bit more, I’ll do that.

“It’s always handy having someone like a Nathan Vardy or an Oscar Allen come in and take off some of that load.

“I’ll continue to play the way I play. Every ruckman is different. Every ruckman has their own strengths, and mine is around the footy, around the contest.

“It’s simple. If you get the job done around the ball you don’t have to run forward or run back like those other ruckmen have to.

“I’m not going to change my game for the way footy looks at the moment.”

Naitanui was hopeful dynamic skipper Luke Shuey would return for Saturday night’s blockbuster against ladder leaders Port Adelaide at Optus Stadium, which would be 22 days since his minor hamstring strain.

“Massive (inclusion). He’s just got that explosive nature about him. Similar to Elliot Yeo when he does return,” Naitanui said.

“We’ve got Tim Kelly that plays a similar role, but it will probably allow other guys to play in different roles, and it just makes teams a bit more reactive as well having ‘Boots’ back in the side.”

Naitanui’s right eye was still slightly red on Tuesday after an errant poke from Dogs big man Stefan Martin, however the star Eagle will be fine to take on ex-teammates, 2018 premiership ruck Scott Lycett, in a crucial match-up.

The pair used to pick apart their match vision together every Monday but will be leaving their friendship behind on Saturday night.

“It’s always good versing your ex-teammates. I always pencil those ones in for when they come into the calendar,” Naitanui said.

“He’s been a big part of what I’ve done at the footy club and I’ve been around his entire career at West Coast.

“We’ll laugh after the game and before the game, but once we’re out there we are enemies.

“it’s a bit of cat and mouse in there.

“We know each other back to front. It’s just a matter of who can execute it better on gameday.

“They (the Power) play another exciting brand. They’re going to be a team to beat this year as well.

“It’s going to be another challenge for us this week.

“They know what they need to do to get it done but we’re up for the challenge.”