West Coast defender Tom Cole has sung the praises of Harley Reid, saying the No.1 draft choose is already so robust he can principally shrug off anybody’s deal with.
Reid is ready to be the star attraction in Saturday’s apply match towards Fremantle at Mineral Resources Park.
The 18-year-old has already wowed teammates along with his work on the monitor, particularly his fend-offs which have led to comparisons to Richmond nice Dustin Martin.
“He’s very strong around the contest. For an 18-year-old kid, you don’t see it often,” Cole advised reporters on Wednesday.
“It usually takes a few years to build up (that) strength in the weights room, and he’s got that power that not many others have.
“He’s been capable of shrug off nearly anybody on our checklist in the meanwhile.
“He’s good in traffic. Good around the contest. When he gets the ball he doesn’t rush himself.
“He is aware of he is bought the energy and energy to get out of tackles, so he can see different issues round him.”
Reid is being tipped to play across half back and in the midfield this season.
The Victorian represents generation next at West Coast, alongside the likes of Reuben Ginbey, Noah Long, Brady Hough, Elijah Hewett, Archer Reid and Clay Hall among others.
Hall will miss the next three to four weeks due to an ankle complaint and West Coast have a host of other injury concerns.
Liam Ryan (hamstring surgery) will miss the start of the season, while Elijah Hewett (foot) and Dom Sheed (foot) are facing a race against the clock to be fit for round one.
Tall defender Harry Edwards will undergo surgery after breaking his finger at last week’s intraclub and fellow backman Rhett Bazzo is being deloaded to deal with a groin issue.
Jack Darling (hamstring) will miss the match against Fremantle but is on track to return against Adelaide next week.
Jeremy McGovern (soreness) is no certainty to face the Dockers.
Cole will again fill an important role in defence this season, and he noted how different things have been without retired veteran Shannon Hurn.
“It’s a bit quieter. He was a grumpy man on the sphere typically,” Cole mentioned with amusing.
“It’s a bit completely different however we had been prepared for it, and guys have stepped up.
“Brady Hough is kind of playing that role that ‘Bunga’ played last year, so it’s exciting to see.”
West Coast have unveiled joint captains this yr – Oscar Allen and Liam Duggan.
The energy positively hasn’t gone to Duggan’s head.
“He’s too nice of a guy. He’s one of the nicest people to grace the Earth,” Cole mentioned.
“It’s still the same old Duggo.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
