Outstanding West Coast ruckman Michael Gardiner is expected to sit out Friday night's opening AFL pre-season cup match against Collingwood at Subiaco Oval.

The All-Australian selection is returning from a knee injury and the Eagles are being extra careful to ensure their prized big man starts the season fully fit.

"At this stage we will probably not play him, but that will depend on whether he believes he needs a hit out next week, but we will weigh that up," coach John Worsfold said.

"The longer we can hold him back, the better he is going to be going into the season." The Eagles played an intraclub match at Subiaco and Gardiner played the second half after sitting out the opening two terms.

The 24-year-old even managed a running goal to prove he is well on the road to recovery.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP