West Coast Eagles star Willie Rioli returns to face Cats, Nic Naitanui in doubt

West Coast coach Adam Simpson says he’s “really proud” of Willie Rioli, who has returned to the club and will play against Geelong on Saturday.

The 27-year-old, who remained in Darwin following his father’s funeral earlier this month, was back at in Perth on Wednesday and trained on Thursday.

“(I’m) really proud that he’s decided to come back and finish off the season,” Simpson said.

“It’s been a really difficult month for him, personally. He got back yesterday and he’ll play this week.”

Rioli was welcomed back to Mineral Resources Park by a fan with a handmade sign with blue and gold writing that read: “Come on Rioli 44.”

Simpson confirmed midfielder Tim Kelly and mid-season recruit Jai Culley will also return to the 22, while Nic Naitanui is “unlikely”.

“We’ll see how he feels, see how he pulls up,” Simpson said. “But he’s probably 50/50 at best.”

Naitanui has played through knee soreness but was well beaten against Fremantle’s Sean Darcy in the derby, with the Dockers ruckman claiming the Glendinning-Allan Medal.

“Obviously he was a bit down last week on his performance so there’s a bit of that too, just his ability to play,” Simpson said.

“That’s what we’ve got to take into account.”

“He’s just hanging on. If he plays, he plays. If he doesn’t, then we get him right for next year.”

Wingman Andrew Gaff is also in doubt for the road trip to GMHBA Stadium, with an ankle concern hampering his preparation.

Asked if the dual All-Australian will play, Simpson responded: “Hope so.”

“He’s been carrying (an injury) a bit as well. He’s doing the right thing for the club, it can’t get any worse,” he said.

“But one game to go, hopefully he gets up but if he doesn’t, we won’t play him.”

The Eagles have already called time on Jake Waterman’s season, with the versatile forward undergoing knee surgery earlier this week.

“It’s not too bad (Waterman’s knee). He played with it the last three weeks,” Simpson said.

“It just got to the point where it was too sore... we had to shut him down.”

Following the news that captain Luke Shuey signed a new one-year deal, Simpson said there was “still some good footy left” in the veteran.

“He’s probably not back to his ultimate best but I can see some really good signs that he’s got his body right,” he said.

“(We’ve) got a good program in place, they’ve done a really good job to get him back.”

Simpson took another swipe at reports Shuey had earned an approximate $800,000 this year as reported in the Herald Sun’s annual Rich List.

Shuey’s manager also denied the claims but confirmed to The West Australian on Wednesday that Shuey had taken a pay cut to play on next season.

“Despite the reports of his wage being a little bit out of whack, it’s good to see him back next year,” Simpson said.