West Coast’s mosquito fleet is the envy of the AFL, but can the Eagles squeeze them all in?

For the first time this season, West Coast will have their full complement of small forwards available to them.

Goalsneak Jamie Cripps will return from a groin injury for Sunday’s AFL clash with Adelaide in Perth, meaning he’s joined Liam Ryan, Willie Rioli, Jarrod Cameron, and Jack Petruccelle in the extended squad.

Ryan and Rioli are guaranteed starters, but Cameron and Petruccelle have been named on the extended bench.

At least one of them will play, and possibly both if West Coast decide to axe 191cm spearhead Jake Waterman instead.

Eagles coach Adam Simpson said it would be a tough call deciding on whether to select all the goalsneaks to join power forwards Josh Kennedy, Jack Darling, and Oscar Allen in attack.

“Our small half forwards are really important to us,” Simpson said.

“We’ve probably developed a system where we’ve played more forwards than ever before. I don’t think we can play nine (forwards) though. That’s pushing the friendship.

“But the fact is they’re playing a really good role, they’re quick, they finish off their work, and they bring others into the game.”

Cameron made a barnstorming start to his AFL career, booting 10 goals from his first four games.

But he has managed just one goal from his past three, and looks to be the player in most danger to be dropped.

Simpson said he had been thrilled by the 19-year-old’s efforts in recent weeks despite the lack of goals.

“What he does off the ball for a first year player is really exciting for the longer term,” Simpson said.

“He’s way more advanced than we thought. What he’s doing off ball – his work rate, the way he defends, and all that sort of stuff is impressive. It’s natural. It’s instinctive.”

Meanwhile, Simpson said ruckman Nic Naitanui is back out on the track and making slow but steady progress in his recovery from an ankle injury.

The Eagles are hopeful Naitanui can return in time for the finals, but the 29-year-old will have to pass a series of tests before he is given the green light.

“He’s gone from being on the Ultra G (anti-gravity treadmill), to a bit of rehab in the gym, now to on-ground walk/jog,” Simpson said.

“Then we’ll elevate the jog to strides, and then change of direction, then skills, then competitive work. That’s probably first week of the finals (by that stage).”