West Coast coach John Worsfold has praised the work ethic of Mark Nicoski, saying the 27-year-old deserves full credit for transforming himself into a dangerous AFL forward.

Nicoski starred as a rebounding defender during the early stages of his career before suffering a series of shoulder injuries that stifled his development.

The 187cm speedster was trialled as a forward last year but failed to kick a goal in six games before his shoulder curse struck again, sidelining him twice during the year.

However, season 2011 has been a new coming for a fit-again Nicoski, who has booted six goals from six games while setting up numerous others through his tireless work ethic and tackling intensity.

In last week's 54-point victory over Melbourne, Nicoski booted two goals and gave off six score assists in a performance that further strengthened his hold on a permanent spot in the club's forward line.

"He was no walk-up certainty to be in the side early this year but his work rate and form warranted him getting the first opportunity there and he's grabbed that opportunity," Worsfold said of Nicoski, who has tallied 92 games since making his debut in 2004.

"He knows we've got Gerrick Wheedon, Lewis Broome, Ashton Hams and Andrew Strijk all in pretty good touch (in the WAFL) waiting for their opportunity.

"So there is pressure on there for the guys to play their role and perform.

"But I've seen him do the work. I know he's never given up and I know he's had frustrations, but he's a very positive member of the team and a senior player now.

"So it's a fair reward for him.

"Nico played the majority of his football early as a defender and we realised that we weren't utilising the strengths we wanted out of him.

"So we challenged him to change his game to play more forward, without guaranteeing that he was going to force his way into the side as a forward.

"He's worked really hard at that."

The Eagles' top-eight credentials will be given a stern test when they come up against an in-form Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

The Bombers smashed Gold Coast by 139 points on Sunday but have struggled in recent times against West Coast, losing the past four encounters between the two sides.

West Coast midfielder Chris Masten made a successful return from a knee injury last weekend but is unlikely to earn a call-up for the Essendon match.

The Bombers will welcome back defender Dustin Fletcher after he was a late withdrawal from the Gold Coast romp with a knee injury.

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