WEST Coast ruck bolter Bailey Williams looks ready to press his claims for round one selection in Friday's intraclub hitout after being managed with hamstring tightness.
Williams was sidelined for Saturday's Marsh Community Series clash against Fremantle, setting him back in his push to support Nic Naitanui in the season-opener against Melbourne on March 22.
The second-year tall moved well at West Coast training on Monday, however, staying back after a short recovery/skills session to complete his own running at Mineral Resources Park.
He was kicking, collecting groundballs, and leapt for a big grab on the marking bag, suggesting he is ready to press his claims on Friday.
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He ran for approximately another 30 minutes after the session finished, completing 200m runs at a good pace.
Coach Adam Simpson declared the second ruck spot was open after the Eagles' loss to Fremantle on Saturday night, with an intraclub hitout on Friday set to help determine who the match committee takes into round one.
Williams has been considered the frontrunner through the latter stages of the pre-season, impressing in training with his high leap, ability to impact at ground level and athleticism when playing forward.
Premiership ruckman Nathan Vardy has been the main support in both pre-season games for Naitanui, who didn't complete the outdoor skills session on Monday.
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Vardy had four disposals and nine hitouts in 55 per cent game time against the Dockers at HBF Arena and hasn't yet done enough to lock down selection for round one.
Fellow ruckman Tom Hickey has missed both pre-season hitouts, instead lining up for the Eagles' WAFL team after being named in the senior squad.
Williams, who was recruited with pick No.35 in the 2018 NAB AFL Draft, is yet to debut.
Meanwhile, star defender Jeremy McGovern had a light session on Monday after returning from a heel injury in Saturday's pre-season clash against the Dockers, playing 56 per cent game time.
Young tall Oscar Allen, who is yet to play this pre-season after an ankle setback, moved well before an early finish after 30 minutes. The 20-year-old is another contender to play the forward/ruck position if he plays in Friday's intraclub.
