Nic Naitanui’s AFL comeback from his second knee reconstruction could take place on the blockbuster stage of the 50th western derby against Fremantle in round 16.

And Naitanui’s football return is firming to come for West Coast’s WAFL outfit at East Fremantle Oval on June 22 — the same venue where he made his comeback from his first knee injury.

The ruckman is set to bypass the Eagles’ Thursday night clash with Essendon in round 14, with a return through the WAFL two days later the target.

If the club opts for a home comeback game for Naitanui, the Saturday night derby showdown on July 6 is the most likely date. It is a Dockers home game and is already slated to be a massive occasion as WA footy marks the 50th meeting between the local rivals.

A derby comeback plan would give Naitanui two games in the WAFL before his senior return.

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The 29-year-old returned from his first knee reconstruction at East Fremantle Oval, now known as New Choice Homes Park, last March.

Camera Icon Nic Naitanui is closing in on a return. Credit: Danella Bevis

West Coast coach Adam Simpson said Naitanui was a “class above” Tom Hickey and Nathan Vardy and he was keen to see what impact he could have under the new 6-6-6 starting zones rule which opens up space around the centre clearance battle.

“I can’t wait for him to come back for a lot of reasons. Mainly just to get him back as a ruckman and these new rules that have come into play with centre bounces,” Simpson told Fox Sports.

“We’ve really missed him. Our guys that have filled the void have done a really good job and played to the best of their ability, but Nic’s probably a class above.”