Naitanui looked in good physical condition and took part in exercises where players spread from a contest after a mark was taken, changing direction without any apparent concerns over his reconstructed left knee.

West Coast has sorely missed the talismanic player’s presence this year, especially in heavy interstate losses against Hawthorn and the Bombers, and there is still hope he could return late in the campaign.

"He's such a dynamic player for us. We've had to adjust a lot of things and we're still working through those situations," Simpson told Fox Footy on Monday night. 

"Obviously having someone like him in the side makes you walk a bit taller – and he does have presence – I would've thought we'll make a decision after the bye about where he's at." 

West Coast's ruck stocks are in a healthier state following Drew Petrie's return from a broken hand for East Perth at the weekend, and Scott Lycett is also closing in on a comeback.

Lycett hasn't played since last year's elimination final due to a PCL reconstruction and shoulder surgery, but he has re-joined main training this week. 

"Being in rehab for just about nine months now has been a hard slog," Lycett told westcoasteagles.com.au. 

"Hopefully in the next couple of weeks I'll be stepping up my training and doing some contested work, so there's light at the end of the tunnel and I'm looking forward to finally playing some footy."

The earliest the 24-year-old could make his comeback would be in East Perth's next match against West Perth on June 5.