Injured West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui is optimistic of returning to the AFL by round 15 next year as he recovers from surgery to repair his ruptured right ACL.

Naitanui remains on crutches following a second knee reconstruction, with Channel Seven reporting the procedure – which involves attaching a hamstring tendon to the knee – was a success.

A return at any stage next season would defy suggestions made in July by American knee specialist Bill Knowles that recovering from a second ACL injury would take longer.

“We often take a little bit more time in order to allow his body and brain to embrace his new set-up — his knee joint set-up,” Knowles told The West Australian.

“His body has to learn how to adapt now without two ACLs. Even though they reconstruct them, they’re never the same original goods.”

Don't miss the latest sports news! Was $13 now $7 per week for 12 weeks* (Digital + Print) Enjoy unlimited access to thewest.com.au and everyday digital editions on any device. Thursday - Monday papers home delivered with all of the latest footy news! *T&Cs apply

Naitanui took 18 months to return to senior football after injuring his left ACL in round 22, 2016.

Play Video West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui has hobbled off with a leg injury before half-time in the Eagles’ clash with Collingwood at the MCG. The West Australian Video West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui has hobbled off with a leg injury before half-time in the Eagles’ clash with Collingwood at the MCG.

In an interview with Seven News which aired on Sunday night, Naitanui also revealed the mixed emotions he would feel watching his teammates embark on promising finals campaign.

“I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t be a little bit sad but I’m not going to sit there and wallow,” Naitanui said.

“I just hope the boys can get there to start with then get it done if we get there.

“I definitely won’t feel sorry for myself.”

The 28-year-old reserved praise for coach Adam Simpson, who looked visibly shaky in a post-match interview with Fox Footy following the incident in July.

Naitanui said Simpson’s willingness to show his emotions was one of the reasons he has earned respect from the playing group.

Play Video Hear what West Coast coach Adam Simpson has to say about Nic Nat's injury following the Eagles' win over the Pies at the MCG. The West Australian Video Hear what West Coast coach Adam Simpson has to say about Nic Nat's injury following the Eagles' win over the Pies at the MCG.

“I think I saw that emotion when we lost the grand final. I did my knee (and) he was in tears after the game,” Naitanui said.

“He’s preached since he’s get here on day one, unity and the brotherhood.

“That actually shows that someone cares about you as a person, not just you as a footballer. That’s probably why the boys are pretty close with Simmo.”

Naitanui now faces another gruelling round of rehabilitation over summer with the aim of building strength and mobility in both knees.

Though initially dejected, the Swan Districts product insists he is in a good frame of mind as he aims to kick-start a dynamic career stalled by injury setbacks.

“I guess the impact of coming back and the long road, and then obviously getting through to this stage of the year when we’re doing well… I’d be lying if I said I didn’t cry at all,” Naitanui said.

“I think perspective is the biggest thing that’s helped me get through, not only with injury but everything in life.

“Like I always say, there’s a bigger world out there with some real life stuff going on.

“It’s unfortunate (and) disappointing but I’ll get by.”