WEST Coast rookie Alec Waterman has been granted indefinite leave from the club as he battles ongoing problems with glandular fever.

Waterman, the son of two-time Eagles premiership player Chris Waterman, was drafted as a father-son recruit in the 2014 NAB AFL Draft and performed well at WAFL level in the early part of the 2015.

He averaged 21.5 disposals in eight games for East Perth last season before he was struck down with glandular fever mid-year.

Waterman did not play after round 10 and was on a carefully managed training program throughout the second half of the season.

The Eagles then decided to delist the young midfielder and re-draft him as a rookie during the off-season.

Since returning to pre-season training Waterman has scarcely been able to run - instead he has walked laps away from the main group as he has struggled with his energy levels.

The club announced on Tuesday that Waterman had been granted an indefinite leave of absence to try and get his health right.

Eagles' football manager Craig Vozzo told the club's website that it was a logical move.

"We believe it is necessary to give Alec an extended absence so he can get back to full health," Vozzo said.

"Alec's health and wellbeing are paramount and we need to give him as much time as that takes.

"He has been frustrated at the lack of progress that has occurred despite the conservative approach to his recovery that was mapped out by our medical staff. Hopefully we will see Alec back to his effervescent self in the near future."