West Coast midfielder Matt Priddis believes the early-season absence of ruckman Nic Naitanui could end up being a blessing in disguise for the AFL club.

The Eagles slumped to a 1-4 record without Naitanui, but have won two straight games since the 23-year-old returned from a serious groin injury.

Priddis says the Eagles slowly improved their defensive set-ups at stoppages while Naitanui was sidelined and were now a more disciplined team.

But with Naitanui nearing full fitness again, Priddis said the Eagles could start to employ more attacking set-ups due to the ruckman’s superb tapping skills.

“He’s a very imposing figure,” Priddis said.

“He gets his hand on the ball most times and that gives our midfielders first use.

“He’s just going to keep improving as the season goes. He’ll get more confidence in his body and it’s a pretty frightening thing.”

The Eagles will be aiming to make it three wins on the trot when they take on North Melbourne at Patersons Stadium on Friday night.

West Coast are set to be bolstered by the returns of Daniel Kerr, Beau Waters and Chris Masten, while the Kangaroos are hopeful skipper Andrew Swallow will recover from a knee injury in time to play.

Priddis paid tribute to Eagles captain Darren Glass, who will reach his 250-game milestone against the Kangaroos.

“He took over the captaincy at a time when the club was going through a pretty tough period,” Priddis said of Glass, who has skippered the club since 2008.

“His leadership, and the way he stood up during that time, you can’t speak highly enough of him.

“He’s so well respected and he plays with his heart and soul every weekend. There’s no better leader.”