EXPECTATIONS inside West Coast are rising that Nic Naitanui will return from an ankle injury in time for finals, but Adam Simpson isn't looking further ahead than Sunday's blockbuster against Richmond.

However, the coach was "pleasantly surprised" to see the star ruckman running, jumping and kicking at training three weeks out from September action.

"I think some people at the club have (gone from hopeful to expectant on Naitanui). I'm staying the same," Simpson said.

"I'm not going to ride the wave. I've got too much to do than worry about Nic being available every day.

"Him being around the club with a smile on his face, knowing there's hope is good enough for me at the moment.

"Next phase is to train a bit more next week and then perhaps after the bye heading into finals he might be available."

Importantly, Naitanui pulled up well enough from Tuesday's hour-long session to train two days later.

Barring any setbacks, he should create some positive selection headaches come September fitting back in alongside recruit Tom Hickey.

"It will be a good problem to have. We'll worry about that if and when," Simpson said.

"We've been happy with Hickey's form and we think Oscar Allen's second rucking has really developed this year. He's never rucked before, Oscar.

"For him to complement what we're doing with Hickey has been a good combination. But I think we'd find a way to get Nic in the ruck."

Simpson said he doesn't need to remind his players what is at stake heading to the MCG to face Richmond, who have won seven on the trot.

If the Eagles win, they only need to defeat Hawthorn at home in the final round to secure an Optus Stadium qualifying final, but a loss to the Tigers would likely force them into an interstate clash.

Rain is forecast for Melbourne on Sunday, which could suit Richmond, whose coach Damien Hardwick is wary of the Eagles' marking power but believes his side will have an advantage in the groundball battle.

"Scouting them, looking at how they go about it it's a lot different (to us) but a lot the same as well," Simpson said.

"They've got some good speed, we've got pretty good speed, they've got some good key talls, they've got talent across the board, and we think we're the same.

MATCH PREVIEW Tigers v Eagles

"The way they go about their ball movement might look a bit different than us, but essentially the contest and the way games are fought out, that's where it's going to be won.

"We'll focus on a couple of things we need to take away from Richmond, and they'll focus on a couple of things they need to take away from us.

"I think essentially you'll see two teams playing their own way.

"When you get to these type of games it's our way versus their way and we'll see how we go."

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