West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui has found it tough avoiding injuries in recent years, but he’s found it even tougher avoiding the club’s prank pack.

Naitanui is set to make a highly-anticipated return from an ankle injury in Thursday night’s elimination final against Essendon.

The 29-year-old has trained strongly over the past week, showcasing his trademark leap to prove he is ready to go against the Bombers.

His impending return will be a huge boost to West Coast’s flag defence, with the Eagles keen to do everything possible to keep their star ruckman fit and safe.

But when it comes to the Eagles’ pranksters, Naitanui shouldn’t be expecting any special treatment.

Lewis Jetta, Liam Ryan, and Willie Rioli have developed a knack for being the pranksters at West Coast.

And there’s nothing they love more than teaming up to put one over Naitanui.

“Nic Nat is usually the one that cops it all. We stir him a lot,” Jetta said with a laugh.

“Sometimes he gets frustrated, so we keep doing it. But sometimes he gets us back.

“His posters are everywhere, and he has a broken nose so it’s kind of bent.

“So he says, ‘Look, I got my noise straightened, go and look at the picture’. And we look up and then he gives us a chop. He gets us every time.

“We’ve got some good banter going on.”

Jetta, Rioli, and Ryan also try to prank each other.

“We muck around with each other’s coffee and stuff,” Jetta said.

“We put in four or five extra sugars, or maybe just one coffee bean with no water or sugar. All little things like that.”

Naitanui has missed the past three finals series through injury, but he will team with Tom Hickey to form a powerful ruck duo during September.

The pair performed strongly during their three games together earlier this season, and their presence is set to give West Coast’s midfield a potent attacking edge.

Naitanui is expected to play less than 60 per cent game time, but it’s a tactic that has worked well in the past.