Star West Coast Eagles forward Jack Darling has been vaccinated for Covid and is ready to return to training, according to reports.

Western Australian journalist Ryan Daniels reported the developments via Twitter on Thursday evening, suggesting that the 29-year-old "is free to return ... once paperwork clears."

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The Eagles have now confirmed Darling is allowed to resume training in a statement, saying he had his first day back today.

"After time away from the club and the West Coast Eagles ticking off all necessary AFL and other requirements, premiership forward Jack Darling returned to the club today and re-joined his teammates and coaches at training.

"He will now undergo the requisite medical assessment and continue to build his football fitness base as he strives to resume his AFL career as soon as possible.

"Darling has been training away from the club for a number of weeks and will need to re-condition his body for match play as he strives to build on his 236-game, 450-goal career.

"This period has been a very difficult one for Jack and his family and we ask that his privacy be respected.

"The club will not be making any comment on any of our playersโ€™ private medical information.

Darling made headlines in January when it emerged his playing future remained uncertain due to his hesitancy to receive a Covid vaccine, before it was revealed he had a request for an exemption turned down by the AFL.

READ: AFL reject Eagles' vaccine exemption request

Senior Coach Adam Simpson told media earlier this year "my plan is to get him (Darling) back", but conceded while Darling remained unvaccinated "there's not much we can do".

READ: Simpson speaks on situation surrounding unvaxxed star

Darling's imminent return will be a huge relief to Simpson, who is set to enter the season without the services of a plethora of injured stars - including Luke Shuey, Elliot Yeo, Dom Sheed, Jamie Cripps, Oscar Allen and Liam Duggan.

The Eagles are set to kick off their 2022 campaign when they host the Gold Coast Suns at Optus Stadium on Sunday, March 20.

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