Naitanui on light duties

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http://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/news/2014-04-15/naitanui-on-light-duties

Questions persist surrounding Nic Naitanuis availability for West Coasts Port Adelaide clash on Saturday night at Patersons Stadium.

Naitanui was subbed out during the third term of the Eagles 75-point loss to Geelong last Saturday.

The 2012 All Australian took his right boot off to receive treatment on his foot after he was subbed on Saturday night, but Eagles coach Adam Simpson explained on 6PR on Monday night that it was just precautionary measure.

He was a bit sore, Simpson said.

Hes coming off a limited preseason and unfortunately its not just one pre-season, it's two or three, so we're trying our best to manage his time and of course we'd like an improvement on what he can do. But at the moment it's a bit of a battle."

Naitanui was on light duties at the Eagles open training session on Tuesday.

He appeared with a compression bandage on his lower right leg, wearing just his runners. The ruckman took part in some light handball and tap drills, but did not run or jump before leaving the track early.

Simpson was also asked on 6PR whether form was an issue for Naitanui given he had just six touches on Saturday night, but the coach explained it was simply a fitness issue.   

If he s available to play, he ll play seniors, Simpson said.

The question is, is he fit enough to play? I'm not taking form into account. If hes fit to play, he ll play. If he s not fit enough to play a full game, then we've got to look at that. So it's going to come down to how his body is feeling.

Its too early in the week to tell, but if hes not right physically then obviously we cant go with him.