WEST Coast star Nic Naitanui is hopeful of finalising a new contract soon, and says he could play every game this season.

The 23-year-old has declared he's planning to be an Eagle for life.

"I'm staying at West Coast, I love it over there, and I'll be there for the rest of my career, fingers crossed," he told AFL.com.au.  

Naitanui has been troubled by a groin injury but dismissed reports that he could be heading overseas for surgery.

"I had a bit of a chuckle, because I would have been checking myself into surgery on the Friday when I was training," he said.  

"I don't know where that came from, but I guess it's all rumours."

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Naitanui also said it was feasible that he could play every game this season.

"I don't see why not, I'm feeling pretty good, and I can share the workload with three other ruckman at the club.

"I'll be pretty unlucky to miss big chunks of games like I did last year."

He managed just 11 matches last season because of his groin issues.

Naitanui has ruled himself out of the Eagles first NAB Challenge game against Fremantle, but is hopeful of playing at least one practice match before the premiership season begins on March 23 against the Western Bulldogs.

Twitter: @MattThompson