West Coast to make surprise Harley Reid selection call

The teenager reportedly won’t play this weekend.

Reid’s past fortnight in the royal blue and gold has been moving short of spectacular, with the first-year Eagle playing an integral role in helping the Eagles record successive victories for the first time since 2021.

The Tongala junior collected a Rising Star nomination in Round 6 for his 27-disposal outing against Richmond, before backing up that performance in the Western Derby on Saturday with 19 disposals, three goals, seven clearances and 12 contested possessions to poll votes for the Glendinning-Allan Medal and AFLCA Champion Player of the Year.

While the Eagles will head into Sunday’s clash against the Suns with newfound confidence, they’ll be tasked with taking on Damien Hardwick’s side without their young star.

According to 9 News, Reid will be managed after his opening six matches, with the Eagles being cautious with the 19-year-old’s workload early into his AFL career.

The surprising selection move comes as the Eagles plan to clear defender Tom Barrass’ one-game suspension for a dangerous tackle on Fremantle forward Michael Walters from Round 6.

Barrass will front the AFL Tribunal on Wednesday at 1:00pm (AEST) in a bid to be cleared to face Gold Coast at Carrara on Sunday afternoon.

In Reid’s absence, coach Adam Simpson could promote veteran midfielder Dom Sheed to a starting role after the premiership Eagle was used as the tactical sub in the win over thge Dockers.

Forward Liam Ryan will also be considered for a return after spending the past two weeks playing in the WAFL following his recovery from a serious hamstring injury.

Trio Andrew Gaff, Harry Edwards and Luke Edwards are also on standby for selection, with the latter likely to exit concussion protocols for this weekend.

West Coast travel to People First Stadium to take on Gold Coast at 1:00pm (AEST) on Sunday in the hope of extending their winning run to three matches.