Selfies and signings for West Coast Eagles fans amid Harley Reid No. 1 ‘hype’

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Plus extra Suns academy and Tassie prospects push their instances, whereas a Vic Metro choice name raised eyebrows.

PHOTOS, AUTOGRAPHS AS HARLEY ‘HYPE’ REACHES FEVER PITCH AFTER PERTH SPECIAL

Through no fault of the younger star’s personal, Harley Reid’s first journey to Perth became a mini movie star circus. But the Pick 1 favorite let his footy do the speaking, inspiring Vic Country to an exhilarating victory.

In his newest eye-catching show, Reid booted 2.3 from a game-high 26 disposals, 15 contested possessions, 10 marks, 4 clearances and 4 tackles to steer Country to a good two-point win over Western Australia on the WACA floor.

With dozens of recruiters watching on – together with West Coast staffers – Reid was at his highly effective finest, each inside 50 and on the coalface, in opposition to WA as he cut up his sport time between the midfield and ahead line. His kicks had been exact and his depth on the coalface was noticeable, whereas he wasn’t afraid to throw his weight round throughout a half-time melee between the 2 sides.

Several highlights of Reid’s sport had been filmed and uploaded to social media by SEN WA Breakfast host Tim Gossage, who labelled Reid “top shelf” and urged West Coast to “keep Pick 1” to draft him.

While Reid copped ample consideration from WA gamers on the sector, there was a extra affectionate reception for him post-match from some followers, who lined up for images and autographs with the star Bendigo Pioneers prospect. A couple of West Coast supporters cheekily requested Reid to signal their Eagles gear, with the 18-year-old blissful to oblige.

Minutes after Reid touched down in Perth the day earlier than the sport, digital camera operators, photographers and reporters had been there to greet him, such was the WA media’s curiosity within the prospect, who’s drawn comparisons to triple Norm Smith Medallist Dustin Martin.

“I was getting requests to see if we could get interviews with him at the game, which we haven’t had before around players,” WA state expertise supervisor Adam Jones informed SportFM on Monday. “The hype is massive and there were signs there on Friday night that it might be justified.

“It is a bit unfair to put so much hype and pressure on one kid. From what I’ve been told, he’s a great country kid that handles it really well, so I think he’s got the character to take it in his stride.”

The Eagles, who’re seemingly destined to complete on the underside of this yr’s AFL ladder and subsequently hand them to Pick 1, are set to face a major name on whether or not to carry their first decide or commerce it away to accumulate a number of early picks to assist speed up their rebuild. Should they go for the latter, they’d lose entry to Reid, who’s the white-hot favorite to be taken with the primary decide with most recruiters believing he’s the No. 1 prospect on this yr’s draft class.

Naturally, Reid was requested on the airport concerning the prospect of being taken by the lowly Eagles and shifting away from Victoria.

“I haven’t spoken much at all about wherever I’ll go. There’s a still a lot to go. I’m a country boy but I’m happy to look anywhere. Wherever that takes me is where I’ll go,” Reid informed reporters on the airport.

Then forward of Friday evening’s sport, Reid uploaded a video to Instagram of him with Vic Country teammates of Cottesloe Beach together with the caption: “Serenity.” You wouldn’t have excused Eagles followers from smiling after seeing that submit.

But they’d’ve been smiling much more after his “very influential” sport, in line with Jones, for Vic Country on Friday evening in Perth.

Considering Reid missed a number of weeks not too long ago attributable to a concussion, Jones stated it was a “scary prospect” the Tongala product hadn’t proven off his finest kind but.

“He’s very contested and very dynamic and powerful at the moment, but if he can really develop that running ability, he could be a special player at AFL level,” Jones stated.

“He’s got this ability with his strength to keep the ball alive. He gets tackled and you think the umpire is going to throw the ball up, but he gets free and they’re driving the ball forward somehow. He can hurt you on many different fronts.”

LATEST STANDOUT GAME BY ‘ULTIMATE PROFESSIONAL’ AS ‘POTENTIAL FIRST-ROUNDER’ STARS

While best-afield Reid was a significant purpose behind Vic Country’s win over WA, 8.13 (61) to eight.11 (59), there have been just a few different notable performances from some teammates.

GWV Rebels defender Luamon Lual had a powerful sport off half-back, ending with 16 disposals, six rebound 50s and 5 marks. While he was good with ball in-hand, recruiters had been happy together with his one-on-one defensive contest means.

Possible top-five decide Zane Duursma confirmed nice composure to kick the match-winning purpose within the remaining quarter to go together with 13 disposals. An thrilling 189cm ahead from Gippsland Power, Duursma – the brother of Port Adelaide duo Xavier and Yasmin – is an efficient likelihood to function on the pointy finish of this yr’s draft, however will want a powerful back-end to his 2023 marketing campaign.

Dandenong Stingrays duo Kade De La Rue and Harry De Mattia had been busy with 22 and 17 disposals respectively, Geelong Falcons key ahead Michael Rudd booted three targets from 13 disposals and 5 marks (two contested) in an attention grabbing show inside 50.

But it was 16-year-old — and 2024 first-round draft prospect — Sam Lalor who impressed with maturity past his years to complete with 17 disposals, 9 contested possessions, a game-high eight clearances and 4 tackles. A strong GWV Rebels inside midfielder with clear fingers and nice acceleration who thrives at stoppages, Lalor made the Under 16 All-Australian staff final yr. But the gun batter was additionally named in Cricket Victoria’s under-17 Emerging Players squad.

After large video games as a midfielder in current weeks, GWV Rebels prospect George Stevens was performed behind the ball in opposition to WA and racked up 13 disposals. Scouts imagine Stevens ought to have an prolonged run on the ball within the lead-up to the draft.

For WA, Claremont’s Daniel Curtin – thought of his state’s finest prospect and a attainable top-10 decide – continued his improbable carnival with one other versatile show.

After a superb midfield efficiency in opposition to South Australia, Curtin once more began on the ball earlier than being moved into defence to assist quell Vic Country’s ahead line. And when WA wanted a spark ahead of centre, the 195cm prospect was thrown ahead and had a direct impact, kicking a terrific purpose to attract his facet inside a kick late.

Curtin completed with 1.0 from 23 disposals, 11 marks and eight contested possessions.

“He’s the ultimate professional, Dan, and it’s good to see him get a really clear run without too many injuries,” Jones stated.

“He’s starting to show what he’s really capable of.”

WA captain Riley Hardeman had his finest sport of the carnival, too. A speedy, hard-running Districts defender from Swan Districts, Hardeman racked up 23 disposals, 9 marks and eight rebound 50s.

“He’ll be talked about as a potential first-round prospect, I would think,” Jones stated.

“He’s at all times had nice velocity and good abilities throughout half-back … however this yr he’s introduced into his sport the flexibility to intercept mark and are available ahead. He’s actually beginning to spherical off his sport.

“We’re actually happy with how he’s going and he’s main the staff very well.

Peel Thunder midfielder Clay Hall made it three wonderful carnival video games on the bounce, ending with a team-high 26 disposals, 10 contested possessions, 9 tackles, six clearances and 5 inside 50s. At 188cm, Hall – the son of former Eagles and Cats ahead Derek Hall – is an interesting midfielder for AFL golf equipment contemplating his dimension (188cm) and excellent cardio capability.

East Fremantle’s Koen Sanchez had one other robust match for WA, this time as a midfielder with one purpose from 20 disposals, 14 contested possessions, 5 tackles and 5 clearances. Recruiters imagine Sanchez can be extra suited to enjoying as a small ahead at AFL degree. While he’s jumped up just a few draft boards in current weeks, whereas the likes of Perth small defender Oscar Hine-Baston and Peel Thunder utility Reece Torrent have additionally put themselves in draft competition.

Subiaco’s 179cm ahead Lance Collard, who could be WA’s most proficient prospect this yr, loomed as WA’s attainable match-winner all evening. He had simply seven disposals, however six of them led on to scores, booting 2.2 and ending with two rating assists. Collard is tied to the Eagles through their Next Generation Academy, though West Coast can solely match a bid on Collard if it lands outdoors the highest 40 picks.

MORE SUNS ACADEMY, TASSIE STARS BOLT

For many years, the AFL’s Under 18 National Championships has been dominated by the main soccer states. Vic Metro has gained 11 of the 21 titles because the flip of the century, with Vic Country, South Australia and Western Australia sharing the remainder of the spoils.

But 2023 looms because the yr of the Allies, who’re on the verge of their first ever nationwide championships title after claiming their third straight win on the weekend.

Mark McVeigh’s facet had a Harlem Globetrotters really feel about them as they blitzed Vic Metro with a seven-goal opening time period to arrange a formidable 44-point win, 15.9 (99) to eight.7 (55), at Brighton Homes Arena on Sunday.

All the Allies – a staff made up of the very best draft prospects from Tasmania, Queensland, NSW/ACT and Northern Territory – must do now’s beat Vic Country at RSEA Park on Sunday they usually’ll declare their first nationwide championship since getting into the competitors in 2016.

Like they’ve been all carnival to date, the Allies had been led fantastically by their Tasmanian and Suns academy prospects in opposition to Vic Metro And it could be a very good factor if Gold Coast finishes outdoors the highest eight this yr from a draft potential as that will permit the membership to usher in all three prime academy prospects.

Dynamic 195cm key ahead Jed Walter set the tone with a jaw-dropping three-goal opening quarter and completed the sport with 15 disposals and 5 marks (three contested). While his energy, competitiveness and presence was noteworthy, his ahead strain was immense – maybe too robust at instances, contemplating he gave away six free kicks. Many recruiters imagine he’s now the clear No. 2 prospect behind Harley Reid – some would say he’s higher – and the very best key ahead in a draft class because the King brothers in 2018.

And Walter mightn’t be the one Suns academy prospect within the prime 5, with Ethan Read persevering with to surge up draft boards following his phenomenal sport in opposition to Vic Metro on Sunday. A 200cm ruck, Read blew scouts away together with his means to cowl the bottom and play basically as a fourth midfielder on his solution to 23 disposals, 9 marks (three contested) and 15 hit-outs.

The third participant tied to the Suns to star was Jake Rogers, who arguably had his most influential sport of the carnival but. Rogers – who in May gained the medal for the AFL Academy’s finest participant throughout its two matches in opposition to state league opposition – completed 26 disposals, 9 contested possessions, seven clearances, six inside 50s and one purpose. A speedy and dynamic 172cm prospect, Rogers has drawn comparisons to Dion Prestia.

AFL guidelines state a membership can’t match greater than two bids on academy prospects within the prime 20 of a draft if, in that very same yr, it makes the finals and is eradicated previous to preliminary remaining weekend. The AFL would love for the Suns to interrupt by way of for his or her maiden finals look, however it will imply Gold Coast wouldn’t be capable to match bids on their three prime prospects.

Rogers had ample on-ball assist from dynamic Tasmanian duo Colby McKercher and Ryley Sanders, who’ll be among the many contenders to win this yr’s Larke Medal, which is awarded to the very best participant within the nationwide championships.

Sanders, who comes from North Launceston and is boarding in Melbourne this season, continued his excellent draft marketing campaign, kicking one purpose from 33 disposals, 12 contested possessions, eight marks, 5 inside 50s and 4 clearances in opposition to Vic Metro. With blonde hair, socks up and explosive energy from stoppages, it’s exhausting to not examine Sanders to Jason Horne-Francis, who was taken with Pick 1 within the 2021 draft.

Sanders is within the prime 10 draft combine alongside Launceston’s McKercher – a ball magnet with a terrific workrate and wonderful left-foot kick who’s been likened to Essendon captain Zach Merrett. McKercher additionally kicked a purpose from 31 disposals, 15 handball receives, six marks and 4 clearances as he supplied monumental outdoors run.

Clarence small ahead Jack Callinan (179cm) proved why he’s additionally within the first-round combine in opposition to Vic Metro. Callinan — the son of former Crow Ian Callinan – kicked 1.1 and had one other 4 rating assists from 14 disposals, six marks and three clearances as he confirmed off his footy smarts and skill to get to the fitting place on the proper time.

Two different Tassie merchandise to push their prospects had been Launceston’s Arie Schoenmaker and North Launceston’s Heath Ollington. After enjoying as a hybrid defender at Talent League degree, the 194cm Schoenmaker was unleashed on the wing and starred, booting two breathtaking targets – he might’ve kicked extra after additionally kicking three behinds – from 15 disposals and 10 marks. Hybrid ahead Ollington (190cm) performed considered one of his finest video games of the yr too, kicking 1.1 from 21 disposals, 10 inside 50s and 7 marks.

SWANS PROSPECTS CATCH EYE AS SCOUTS STUNNED BY METRO CALL

Elsewhere, versatile 198cm Murray Bushrangers prospect Connor O’Sullivan had one other large sport with 20 disposals and 11 marks enjoying in defence in opposition to Vic Metro. He has a number of followers at AFL membership land and is within the prime 10 decide dialog.

Swans Academy prospect Caiden Cleary (29 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 5 clearances) and Giants Academy prospect Charlie McCormack (3.0 from 6 disposals) had been additionally distinguished. Inside midfielder Cleary (180cm), specifically, has impressed recruiters to date this carnival, to the purpose the place they wouldn’t be stunned if he obtained a bid late within the nationwide draft.

Fellow Swans academy prospect Lachie Cabor was given the duty of stopping star Vic Metro ahead – and attainable top-five draftee – Nick Watson. And whereas his Allies teammates up the sector helped out immensely – Vic Metro solely had 35 inside 50s for the sport in comparison with the Allies’ 55 – Watson was held by Cabor to at least one purpose earlier than being moved into the midfield to complete with 13 touches for the sport.

Watson wasn’t the one Vic Metro gun goalkicker to have a quieter day, with highly effective Northern Knights star Nate Caddy (1.1), Bulldogs father-son prospect Jordan Croft (1.1) and Oakleigh Chargers large man Will Elliott (2.0) nicely held when the sport was up for grabs.

Recruiters had been staggered to see star bottom-age prospects Jagga Smith (Oakleigh Chargers) and Josh Smillie (Eastern Ranges) rested from Vic Metro’s sport in opposition to the Allies, contemplating their robust performances of their first sport in opposition to South Australia that noticed end with 26 disposals every and mixing for 20 contested possessions. It meant the Allies on-ballers feasted on Sunday, profitable the clearance rely by +5 and the uncontested possession rely by +77.

Lions father-son prospect Levi Ashcroft – the brother of Rising Star fancy Will Ashcroft and son of triple premiership Lion Marcus Ashcroft – did play as a bottom-ager for Vic Metro, racking up 21 disposals and 6 inside 50s to be his facet’s second-best ball-winner behind Melbourne father-son prospect Kynan Brown (23 disposals and 5 clearances).

Arguably Vic Metro’s finest participant was 204cm Northern Knights large man Will Green, regardless of opposing ruck Read’s sensible sport for the Allies. After a gradual begin, Green labored into the sport and confirmed off his working capability, ending with 11 disposals, 4 clearances and a game-high 30 hit-outs.

And 200cm Sandringham Dragons key defender Ollie Murphy – who some recruiters imagine is a first-round prospect has a number of followers – did a very good job on Walter after being moved onto the Allies star after quarter-time. Murphy completed with 10 touches and 5 marks.

Originally revealed as Selfies and signings for Eagles followers amid Harley ‘hype’, second Suns star in top-five combine