West Coast coach Adam Simpson is backing Nic Naitanui to return better than ever despite needing a second knee reconstruction.
The Eagles' worst fears were confirmed on Monday when scans showed Naitanui had torn the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.
Naitanui took more than 18 months to recover from the ACL tear in his left knee, meaning he could miss the entire 2019 season if his latest recovery takes on a similar time frame.
If that's the case, Naitanui will be approaching his 30th birthday when he plays again.
But Simpson is optimistic that the Naitanui "journey" will continue.
"Our heart goes out to him. It's a long road back," Simpson told Channel 7.
"He spent a good 16, 17 months getting back to fitness (last time). He did make a difference for us for this part of the year.
"He'll go through the same process, and be back better than ever."
Simpson said it was important the club didn't dwell on the injury too long.
"He's obviously disappointed. But he's remaining upbeat," Simpson said.
"I'm sure over the coming days and weeks it will sink in - the work in front of him. But he's not scared of hard work, and the journey will continue."
Naitanui suffered the injury in innocuous fashion during the second quarter of Sunday's win over Collingwood at the MCG.
The injury is a bitter blow to second-placed West Coast, who are well positioned to mount a premiership assault.
Scott Lycett will now be handed the responsibility of leading West Coast's ruck, with former Cat Nathan Vardy a chance to earn a recall as support.
Naitanui comes out of contract at the end of next year, with any future contracts set to be for significantly less money and length.
Lycett is out of contract at the end of this year, and is now a priority re-signing for West Coast.
Defender Jeremy McGovern and midfielder Andrew Gaff are also coming out of contract.
West Coast (12-4) will be aiming to continue their good form when they take on the Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on Sunday.
