Secret Comeback Plan for Star Eagle Nic Natanui

Eagles coach Adam Simpson today confirmed he has a comeback plan for star ruckman Nic Naitanui, but he’s refusing to say what it is.

"It's all planned don't worry, in my mind I've got plans" he said.

"I won't go into too much detail, it is a while off, it's not next week."

Despite keeping the details close to his chest, discussions have commenced with club medicos and fitness staff after the ruckman had a second knee reconstruction in July last year.

"I got told today that we need to talk about it... the update is that I'm just about ready for the update"

It’s believed the club has been aiming for a round 10 return against Adelaide in South Australia on Saturday, May 25.

But Naitanui himself has long had sights set on a round nine return against Melbourne at Optus Stadium.

The Friday, May 17 clash would pit Natanui against one of the competition’s best big men, Max Gawn.

"There hasn't been any hiccups, but there probably hasn't been any advancement on the discussion I've had in terms of mid-season, so I think we're on schedule.

“I just don't know what the exact date is so the longer I leave it with you guys, the less you can build it up so you might have to wait a couple of more weeks." Simpson said.

"I think the fact that he's knocking on the door saying "I'm not far away" that's great, that's fantastic so that probably tells us that he's in a really good space.

“If he wasn't doing that then we'd probably have to delay things a little bit"

"It's a big comeback, second knee reconstruction so his mental state is as important as his physical so that's a good sign"

Naitanui is expected to be eased back into football with the Eagles WAFL side ahead of his AFL return.