RISING For Sunday’s match against Gold Coast, West Coast standout Harley Reid has been sidelined, while Eagles premiership hero Liam Ryan is back.
Reid, the top draft pick from the previous season, has had an incredible start to his AFL career. His Derby victory last week stands as his best performance to date. With three goals and seven clearances from 19 disposals, the 19-year-old upset Fremantle by 37 points.
Reid had 27 touches, 7 clearances, and a goal in the 39-point victory over Richmond one week prior.
Reid didn’t seem to be slowing down, so West Coast decided to rest him this week so he could go back to Victoria and visit with his family.
West Coast football manager Gavin Bell stated, “We feel it is appropriate to manage him this week to give him the best chance to continue to be available and play at a high level for the remainder of 2024.” Younger players have tremendous physical and mental demands to play, recover, prepare, practice, and play again; therefore, taking a weekend off will allow him to better manage his body and energy levels as he adapts to his first full season of AFL football.”
With Reid out and Tom Barrass (suspended) also not playing, West Coast’s chances of winning three straight games are severely damaged.
However, Ryan has been named to return to the AFL, likely as a defender considering his recent outings across half-back in the WAFL. Ryan hasn’t played at the AFL level since tearing his hamstring in round three of last year.
Leave a Reply