West Coast Eagles track watch: Harley Reid exits match simulation early as Andrew McQualter gives glimpse into round 1 side

In a concern for West Coast, young gun Harley Reid failed to complete match simulation on Friday – a session that revealed more about Andrew McQualter’s possible round 1 side.

West Coast young gun Harley Reid failed to complete match simulation on Friday, leaving the field with a lower leg issue.

The No.1 draft pick started the second quarter on-field but headed to the bench for treatment not long after.

Reid appeared to be bothered by his left foot/calf but was able to return to play after his initial assessment. But after attempting to run the ailment off, Reid returned to the bench and was assessed a second time.

The 19-year-old removed his left boot as physios put him through a range of tests. At one point he was seen doing calf raises up against the fence and then returned to the bench to undertake two hamstring tests.

Reid was ruled out of match simulation and headed indoors before later returning with a slight limp to watch from the sidelines. The rising star was on a modified program pre-Christmas due to a concussion and disrupted scar tissue flare up.

Harley Reid was forced out of match simulation on Friday. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

“I spoke to him briefly but he didn’t seem too fussed to me,” Eagles recruit Liam Baker said after training.

“Maybe he’s just a bit sore.

“He’ll be back out there soon enough I’d imagine.

“He’s a ripping young kid. I forget that he’s 19, turning 20. He’s still raw. All the boys love him and what he does on the field speaks for itself.

“I can’t wait to see him play.”

West Coast was already undermanned in the midfield before Reid’s early exit during 3x20min periods of physical match simulation on Friday.

Elijah Hewett impressed during the hitout. Picture: West Coast Eagles

With Elliot Yeo (ankle and knee) injured last week and Jack Graham (personal reason) unsighted during the session, Liam Duggan started in the midfield alongside Reid and Tim Kelly.

Elijah Hewett also started in the blue team, with head coach Andrew McQualter opting for what appeared to be a best vs the rest line-up after previously balancing both sides during match simulation.

Matt Flynn started in the blue team but switched with Bailey Williams after the first 20 minutes.

First round draft pick Bo Allan started in the blue defence alongside Reuben Ginbey, Tom Cole, Jeremy McGovern, Brady Hough and Harry Edwards.

Matt Flynn started on what looked to be the A side. Picture: West Coast Eagles

While McQualter has taken a leaf out of Richmond’s book with a mosquito fleet forward line that consisted of Oscar Allen and one of Jack Williams and Archer Reid as the two talls with Liam Ryan, Jamie Cripps, Matt Owies, Tyler Brockman and Noah Long at their feet.

Jake Waterman didn’t play match simulation but was spotted near the Perth clubrooms.

Ryan impressed with his precision kicking inside 50 while Kelly was prolific in the midfield, charging through the front of stoppages. Hewett worked his way into the game and impressed with his power around stoppages.

Draftee Tom Gross led the midfield for the yellow team and impressed with his speed and courage, notably going back with the flight at one stage in defence.

Ryan Maric was praised by McQualter for looking inside for an option as the Eagles worked the ball inside 50. He also took most of the kick-ins.

Jobe Shanahan and Tyrell Dewar were also rotated onto the blue team while former first-round pick Campbell Chesser played exclusively on the yellow team after an interrupted pre-season.

Baker ran laps after suffering what he described as a “pretty straightforward rolled ankle” earlier in the week.

“If it was game day, I’d probably be out there today,” he said.

Rhett Bazzo and Callum Jamieson also didn’t take part in match simulation.