THERE is "still hope" that Nic Naitanui could make an uplifting return for West Coast this season, but the next four to six weeks will be telling in the star ruckman's recovery from his reconstructed left knee.

Naitanui made an appearance at West Coast training on Monday, taking part in some kicking and stationary handball exercises.

Although the 201cm big man remains touch and go for a late season comeback, Eagles coach Adam Simpson hasn't given up hope.

"He's slightly turned the corner in the last week or two," Simpson said on Thursday.

"I've seen him around the club and out on the track a lot more, and the stability of the knee is looking really good.

"It's still going to be touch and go this season, but there's still hope there."

Naitanui ruptured his left ACL in round 22 last season against Hawthorn, derailing the Eagles' flag ambitions.

Last month, the 2012 All Australian revealed he had been forced to pull back on his running after battling knee soreness during his rehabilitation, restricting him to swimming and cycling.

While he is on "an upward trend", there is still no timeframe for a final decision on Naitanui's availability this season.

"I ask that every couple of days to our docs," Simpson said.

"But we're not putting that pressure on Nic or the docs at the moment – or I am but they're not actually giving me an answer.

"I'd say in the next four-to-six weeks, there's probably going to be direction with it.

"But as long as there's a faint hope, I think we'll keep going for it."

Simpson hosed-down the suggestion that West Coast's premiership chances this season could influence the call whether Naitanui will return this year.

"Honestly, I haven't thought one bit about that, it's more about Nic and when he's ready."

The Eagles' ruck stocks have been hit hard since Naitanui went down.

Scott Lycett hasn't been sighted at AFL level since last year's elimination final due to a PCL reconstruction and shoulder surgery.

Drew Petrie broke his hand on club debut against former side North Melbourne in round one and is still on the comeback trail, while Nathan Vardy injured his elbow in last Saturday night's Western Derby and is doubtful to face Port Adelaide on Saturday.