West Coast have ruled All-Australian ruckman Nic Naitanui out of next Saturday night’s round 1 Carlton Mid Derby at Patersons Stadium.

Naitanui underwent surgery for a groin injury in November. He will resume training this week.

Freo will also be without its star ruckman, Aaron Sandilands, leaving Jon Griffin and Dean Cox to lead their respective on-ball divisions.
West Coast’s Collingwood recruit Sharrod Wellingham, star midfielder Daniel Kerr and wingman Matt Rosa will also be unavailable for the season opener.

“We were hopeful that Nic (Naitanui) would recover in time to play, but we were never going to rush him back into the team,” Eagles’ senior coach John Worsfold told the club’s website.

“It will be good to have him in our main training group this week after spending so long in rehab and will slowly build up his work load so that he has the appropriate level of conditioning to play when that time comes.

“Daniel (Kerr) has also been working hard, but needs more time.

“Matt Rosa pulled up sore after the Port Adelaide game, our medical staff assessed him and unfortunately he has compartment syndrome which required surgery.”

Worsfold said midfielders Andrew Embley and Chris Masten should be available.