Naitanui still touch and go for AFL return

West Coast coach Adam Simpson says he won't take any risks with Nic Naitanui, ensuring there's only an outside chance the ruckman will return in 2017.

West Coast coach Adam Simpson says it's touch and go whether star ruckman Nic Naitanui will return this AFL season.

Naitanui hasn't played since tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the round 23 win over Hawthorn last year.

The 27-year-old is holding out hope he can play in the latter stages of this season, but Simpson hinted it might only be an outside chance.