Star ruckman Nic Naitanui was at the club on Monday despite missing West Coast’s main training session at Minerals Resources Park.

A COVID scare has further cruelled the injury-ravaged Eagles on the eve of the 2022 season, with star midfielder Tim Kelly testing positive to the virus and gun small forward Liam Ryan again subject to the AFL’s health and safety protocols and in doubt for Sunday’s season opener against Gold Coast at Optus Stadium.

Coach Adam Simpson on Monday declared even more Eagles were subject to the AFL’s health and safety protocols, but veteran key forward Josh Kennedy was adamant on 6PR Breakfast that Naitaniu’s absence from the track was not due to COVID.

“He was at the club yesterday… there’s going to be plenty this year (that miss through COVID-19). The Rumour File is going to go nuts,” Kennedy told Gareth Parker during the first of his regular Tuesday segments during the 2022 season.

The Eagles have roughly 25 available players for the Suns clash and will call on at least one debutant, Brady Hough.

Tap PLAY below to hear more from Kennedy on the start to the season.