West Coast vice-captain Beau Waters is in line to make his AFL return against Geelong on Friday night after fellow defender Sam Butler was ruled out for four weeks with a quad injury.

Waters gathered 16 possessions and laid nine tackles for WAFL side Claremont on Sunday in his first match since round two when he suffered an elbow injury which required surgery.

Although the fixturing leaves Waters with just a five-day break between games, the 25-year-old played less than 80 minutes for Claremont and said he will be ready to back up against the Cats.

West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui said Waters, who would be a straight swap for Butler, would give the side a massive boost if included.

"It's only his first game back but I'd love to have Beau in the side but that's up to the match committee," Naitanui said on Monday.

"He's the hardest player probably in the comp, I'd say.

"He just brings that feeling and belief amongst all the boys. If he comes back in the side, it will help us."

Naitanui said the Eagles will have to focus heavily on winning the contested ball if they are to defeat Geelong, who suffered a shock weekend loss to Essendon.

"Contested footy, that's a big part in our game this year, so I think that's where the game will be won or lost," he said.

"Whoever has the most contested possessions and wins the hard ball will get over the line."

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP