West Coast have declared rising superstar Harley Reid is set to be available for Friday night’s western derby after his much-discussed ankle injury against Brisbane.
Reid initially came to the bench to receive attention following a bump from Brisbane’s Noah Answerth in the opening term of a 24-point loss to Brisbane on Saturday night.
He slipped on a step near the Eagles’ bench at Optus Stadium only minutes later, although he took to social media yesterday to call out “clowns” saying that was how he suffered the injury.
After a lengthy spell on the bench, he returned to see out the remainder of his side’s game against the Lions and appeared to train strongly in the section of West Coast’s session open to media on Tuesday morning.
The Eagles’ high performance manager Phil Merriman said Reid had recovered well in recent days.
“Harley has jumped into the week really well, showing his professionalism,” Merriman said.
“He has completed all that we have asked of him and will be available to play.”
Reid found himself involved in some combative moments in the game against Brisbane, but Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said the Dockers would not look to antagonise the 21-year-old in the derby.
“We don’t tend to get caught up in that kind of stuff. We try and keep our focus on what allows us to play well, and none of the stuff that takes our eye off the ball,” Longmuir told 7NEWS.
“We’re probably leaning more towards going head-to-head with their midfield at the moment, but we’ll have to have plans in place. He’s had a good season and we’re well aware of what he can do, if he gets the game on his terms.”
Meanwhile, a hamstring injury suffered by Jack Hutchinson in the opening minutes of the loss to the back-to-back reigning premiers is expected to sideline the utility for two to three weeks.
“It’s really disappointing for Jack, but he will be working to get back before the end of the season,” Merriman said.
In better news for West Coast, 2025 draftees Cooper Duff-Tytler (calf) and Josh Lindsay (quad) have been listed as tests for the weekend.
“Cooper and Josh completed a solid session on the weekend, and both have had good sessions today,” Merriman said.
“Josh has ticked every box in order to be available for selection this week.
Lindsay had been out of favour for senior selection in recent weeks but shapes as a natural replacement for co-captain Liam Baker, who will miss the clash with the Dockers with suspension.
Small forward Malakai Champion (hand) and ruckman Harry Barnett (abdominal/groin) are also listed as tests.
Reuben Ginbey’s return timeframe from a high-grade quad injury suffered against last month has been put down as four to five weeks, with Merriman saying the star defender was continuing “to build his speed and volume at training.”
West Coast injury list
Harry Barnett (abdominal/groin): Test
Malakai Champion (hand): Test
Cooper Duff-Tytler (calf): Test
Josh Lindsay (quad): Test
Jack Hutchinson (hamstring): 2-3 weeks
Reuben Ginbey (quad): 4-5 weeks
Sam Allen (knee/hamstring): 5 weeks
Tyler Brockman (hamstring): Season
Harry Edwards (concussion): Season
Noah Long (knee): Season
Jacob Newton (foot): Season
Archer Reid (knee): Season
Deven Robertson (knee): Season
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