Eagles go softly, softly with Nic Naitanui's preparation

[LF]

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-12-07/softly-softly-for-nic-nat

NIC NAITANUI'S training loads will continue to be managed throughout the pre-season to ensure there is no repeat of his injury-plagued 2013.

Ongoing groin issues stemming from surgery in November last year troubled the Eagles' star ruckman throughout last season.

The 2012 All Australian missed the first five matches and managed just 11 games before prematurely ending his season after round 17.

West Coast football operations manager Craig Vozzo says Naitanui's return to full training will continue to be a slow process, to ensure he has no long-term problems.

"He's gradually building up. Again there's no rush with Nic," Vozzo told AFL.com.au.

"Let's try to get it right for the long-term, is the approach, and slowly but surely we are getting there.