West Coast Eagles practice match: Squad named for Richmond clash as Archer Reid eyes big impact

[Pelican Press 0]

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

West Coast Eagles practice match: Squad named for Richmond clash as Archer Reid eyes big impact

Archer Reid will get a golden chance to stake a claim for an early-season West Coast debut, with the young forward set for a prominent role in a Jake Waterman-less attack against Richmond on Monday.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE FULL EAGLES SQUAD

It comes as the teenager admitted it had been an adjustment to put on size and bulk for his sophomore year on an AFL list after being drafted as a “little, skinny bloke”.

Reid has impressed West Coast’s coaching staff and teammates this pre-season, with the 203cm forward predicted for big things as part of the next generation at the Eagles.

And a strong showing against the young Tigers could thrust him into the frame to play alongside mentors Oscar Allen and Waterman in a new-look attack this year.

West Coast have left out several big names for Monday’s scratch match against the Tigers, with midfield star Harley Reid, reigning club champion Jeremy McGovern and All-*********** forward Waterman all sidelined.

Recruits Liam Baker, Matt Owies and Jack Graham will all play for the side for the first time, while top draft pick Bo Allan is also set to feature. Elijah Hewett was also named in the squad of 25 after missing all of last year with a foot injury.

Drafted with pick No.30 in 2023, Reid’s first season was hindered by a partially torn ACL, but he built into his WAFL campaign strongly and finished with 17 goals in 15 games at the lower level.

He’s looking to take the next step this year, starting with making the most of his chances against an inexperienced Tigers outfit at Mineral Resources Park.

“I can only really hope for it,” Archer said of a potential debut.

“I’ve put a lot of work in the off-season and pre-season. I’ve really just tried to improve every day.

“I really just want to show that I can compete with other teams and I will go out there and give it my all.”

Camera IconReid in action at WAFL level last year. Credit: Jackson Flindell/The West ***********

Reid said he had been buoyed by playing the remainder of last season at WAFL level with “no ********” in the wake of his ACL recovery, with a call-up as a travelling emergency for West Coast’s road clash with St Kilda last July further boosting his confidence.

He then signed a two-year contract extension at the Eagles, tying him to the club until the end of 2027.

Reid said while he was close to playing an AFL game last year, he wasn’t flat to fall short.

“I wasn’t too disappointed because I hadn’t done pre-season and came in halfway through the year,” Reid said.

“I know that I’m a tall and I need to develop. And I still have a lot of developing to do.”

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

Camera IconReid wrestling with Jack Graham. Credit: Danella Bevis/The West ***********

The 19-year-old has spent the summer adding size to his frame and improving his craft while working against the likes of five-time All-*********** defender McGovern.

“Over the off-season I was on a diet, eating a lot more than usual, and I’ve been in the gym a lot,” he said.

“I was a little, skinny bloke last year, so having to put on size was a bit different, but something you have to do.

“Coming into an AFL club, it’s pretty daunting, but over the last year and this pre-season playing on someone like Gov… he’s giving me tips as well out on the ground, telling me where to run and whatnot. My confidence has gone up quiet a bit.”

Eagles train-on players Sandy Brock, James Van Es and Jack Henderson will be hoping to put their best foot forward in front of coach Andrew McQualter ahead of the supplemental selection ******* deadline on Friday.

EAGLES SQUAD: Liam Baker, Jayden Hunt, Reuben Ginbey, Elijah Hewett, Tyler Brockman, Oscar Allen, Noah Long, Liam Duggan, Matt Owies, Jack Graham, Brady Hough, Jack Petruccelle, Archer Reid, Matt Flynn, Bo Allan, Tom Cole, Clay Hall, Bailey Williams, Jack Williams, Jack Henderson, Sandy Brock**, James Van Es**, Harry Edwards, Tyrell Dewar, Jack Hutchinson.

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

#West #Coast #Eagles #practice #match #Squad #named #Richmond #clash #Archer #Reid #eyes #big #impact

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up

This is the hidden content, please

• Sign In
• or
• Sign Up