Naitanui in doubt for AFL GWS clash

West Coast ruckman Scott Lycett has been placed on standby in case Nic Naitanui doesn't recover from a bug in time for Sunday's clash with GWS.

West Coast Eagle's Nic Naitanui

Eagle's Nic Naitanui could miss Sunday's AFL clash with the Giants due to a stomach bug. (AAP)

West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui is battling a bug and could miss Sunday's AFL clash with Greater Western Sydney at Patersons Stadium.

Eagles coach Adam Simpson has put back-up ruckman Scott Lycett on standby just in case Naitanui fails to recover in time.

Naitanui is on the verge of signing a four or five-year deal with the Eagles that could see him earn close to $1 million per year.

The 24-year-old has struggled for consistency this year due to a limited pre-season, but Simpson hopes Naitanui will regain his magic form once his contract is sorted.

"There are probably 15 players going through the same issue, it's just that Nic's is probably a bit bigger than others," Simpson said on Saturday.

"And coming from that environment as a player, once it's done you do feel as though there is a weight off your shoulder and you can get on with footy.

"He was a bit crook early on in the week, so we will see how he trains (on Saturday). But Lycett is there (to replace him) in case."

The Eagles (3-4) have been bolstered by the return of Xavier Ellis, Mark LeCras and Sharrod Wellingham for a match they must win to keep in touch with the top eight.

LeCras hasn't played since breaking his arm in round three.

The 2010 All-Australian also suffered the same injury last year, but Simpson said LeCras' longer stint on the sidelines this time around meant he would be both physically and mentally ready to resume.

"From what I've been told, it was on his mind for the whole season (last year)," Simpson said.

"Coming back off the arm, he wasn't quite right.

"But he's in a good space now. He knocked on my door yesterday and said he's ready to go."

LeCras kicked 7.1 before going down through injury.

His accuracy will be a vital addition to an Eagles side that has booted 30.51 during his absence.

The Giants are also on a four-game losing streak and desperate to get their season back on track.

Star spearhead Jeremy Cameron will miss the match after being unable to fly due to recent ear surgery, while GWS are also missing Curtly Hampton (ankle) and Adam Treloar (ankle).


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Source: AAP


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