Bonus points for Cats defender as Eagles hurdle looms

31-05-2025

Geelong premiership defender Jack Henry has treated most of his AFL career as a bonus.
As he reaches the 150-game milestone, the once rookie-listed Cats backman is pinching himself.
"I wouldn't say I was the most red-hot recruit you'd ever see, but something eventually clicked," Henry told AAP ahead of Sunday's clash with West Coast at Optus Stadium.
"You get your opportunity and from there I just didn't look back.
"Especially as a rookie, you're kind of just excited for one game and from there it's been a bonus."
A particularly fruitful one at that.
Henry boasts a 66.4 per cent winning ratio across nine seasons and was a reliable cog in the Cats' backline for their 2022 grand final triumph.
A series of foot injuries restricted his output in 2022-23, and a hamstring strain sidelined the 26-year-old for five weeks earlier this season.
But a second flag is on the radar, with Geelong firmly in contention after a 7-4 start to the season.
Winning one alongside brother Ollie, who joined the Cats from Collingwood in a trade at the end of 2022, would make it even more special.
"It's not something you sit around all day thinking about, but you can definitely dream and that would be a dream," Henry said.
"It's all about your timing and if you can hit your straps at the right time.
"It feels like we've got a lot more to give and we're not quite at our best while still being in a very good position.
"I'm very optimistic that our best footy's ahead of us, so we're all pretty excited."
Former Geelong teammates Sam Simpson, Brandan Parfitt and Charlie Constable - all of whom now play for WAFL club Perth - will be at Optus Stadium with Henry's family to celebrate the dependable backman's milestone on Sunday.
The Cats are determined to avoid the same fate that befell St Kilda as the most recent Victorian team who took on the Eagles in Perth.
West Coast, winless after nine rounds, upset the Saints in a drought-breaking 28-point victory a fortnight ago.
It was first-year coach Andrew McQualter's first win in charge, made sweeter by the fact it came against his old mentor Ross Lyon.
The shock result served as a reminder to the Cats that West Coast can't be taken lightly, especially on their home deck.
Not even a possible top-four battle with Gold Coast at home next week will distract Chris Scott's side.
"We've narrowed our focus to the Eagles' more recent form, which hasn't been too bad," Henry said.
"A few things have clicked for them and they got that win.
"They've looked pretty dangerous at times, so we've got to show up with the right intent to dismiss them."
West Coast suffered a huge blow when All-Australian forward Jake Waterman was ruled out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury sustained in last week's heavy defeat to Adelaide.
Ruck-forward Bailey Williams (managed) and Tom Gross (omitted) are also out of the team.
Emerging key forwards Jack Williams and Archer Reid have been called up, as has one-game defender Bo Allan.
Geelong made just one change to the team that beat the Western Bulldogs, with Connor O'Sullivan back in place of Jed Bews (managed).
Geelong premiership defender Jack Henry has treated most of his AFL career as a bonus.
As he reaches the 150-game milestone, the once rookie-listed Cats backman is pinching himself.
"I wouldn't say I was the most red-hot recruit you'd ever see, but something eventually clicked," Henry told AAP ahead of Sunday's clash with West Coast at Optus Stadium.
"You get your opportunity and from there I just didn't look back.
"Especially as a rookie, you're kind of just excited for one game and from there it's been a bonus."
A particularly fruitful one at that.
Henry boasts a 66.4 per cent winning ratio across nine seasons and was a reliable cog in the Cats' backline for their 2022 grand final triumph.
A series of foot injuries restricted his output in 2022-23, and a hamstring strain sidelined the 26-year-old for five weeks earlier this season.
But a second flag is on the radar, with Geelong firmly in contention after a 7-4 start to the season.
Winning one alongside brother Ollie, who joined the Cats from Collingwood in a trade at the end of 2022, would make it even more special.
"It's not something you sit around all day thinking about, but you can definitely dream and that would be a dream," Henry said.
"It's all about your timing and if you can hit your straps at the right time.
"It feels like we've got a lot more to give and we're not quite at our best while still being in a very good position.
"I'm very optimistic that our best footy's ahead of us, so we're all pretty excited."
Former Geelong teammates Sam Simpson, Brandan Parfitt and Charlie Constable - all of whom now play for WAFL club Perth - will be at Optus Stadium with Henry's family to celebrate the dependable backman's milestone on Sunday.
The Cats are determined to avoid the same fate that befell St Kilda as the most recent Victorian team who took on the Eagles in Perth.
West Coast, winless after nine rounds, upset the Saints in a drought-breaking 28-point victory a fortnight ago.
It was first-year coach Andrew McQualter's first win in charge, made sweeter by the fact it came against his old mentor Ross Lyon.
The shock result served as a reminder to the Cats that West Coast can't be taken lightly, especially on their home deck.
Not even a possible top-four battle with Gold Coast at home next week will distract Chris Scott's side.
"We've narrowed our focus to the Eagles' more recent form, which hasn't been too bad," Henry said.
"A few things have clicked for them and they got that win.
"They've looked pretty dangerous at times, so we've got to show up with the right intent to dismiss them."
West Coast suffered a huge blow when All-Australian forward Jake Waterman was ruled out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury sustained in last week's heavy defeat to Adelaide.
Ruck-forward Bailey Williams (managed) and Tom Gross (omitted) are also out of the team.
Emerging key forwards Jack Williams and Archer Reid have been called up, as has one-game defender Bo Allan.
Geelong made just one change to the team that beat the Western Bulldogs, with Connor O'Sullivan back in place of Jed Bews (managed).
Geelong premiership defender Jack Henry has treated most of his AFL career as a bonus.
As he reaches the 150-game milestone, the once rookie-listed Cats backman is pinching himself.
"I wouldn't say I was the most red-hot recruit you'd ever see, but something eventually clicked," Henry told AAP ahead of Sunday's clash with West Coast at Optus Stadium.
"You get your opportunity and from there I just didn't look back.
"Especially as a rookie, you're kind of just excited for one game and from there it's been a bonus."
A particularly fruitful one at that.
Henry boasts a 66.4 per cent winning ratio across nine seasons and was a reliable cog in the Cats' backline for their 2022 grand final triumph.
A series of foot injuries restricted his output in 2022-23, and a hamstring strain sidelined the 26-year-old for five weeks earlier this season.
But a second flag is on the radar, with Geelong firmly in contention after a 7-4 start to the season.
Winning one alongside brother Ollie, who joined the Cats from Collingwood in a trade at the end of 2022, would make it even more special.
"It's not something you sit around all day thinking about, but you can definitely dream and that would be a dream," Henry said.
"It's all about your timing and if you can hit your straps at the right time.
"It feels like we've got a lot more to give and we're not quite at our best while still being in a very good position.
"I'm very optimistic that our best footy's ahead of us, so we're all pretty excited."
Former Geelong teammates Sam Simpson, Brandan Parfitt and Charlie Constable - all of whom now play for WAFL club Perth - will be at Optus Stadium with Henry's family to celebrate the dependable backman's milestone on Sunday.
The Cats are determined to avoid the same fate that befell St Kilda as the most recent Victorian team who took on the Eagles in Perth.
West Coast, winless after nine rounds, upset the Saints in a drought-breaking 28-point victory a fortnight ago.
It was first-year coach Andrew McQualter's first win in charge, made sweeter by the fact it came against his old mentor Ross Lyon.
The shock result served as a reminder to the Cats that West Coast can't be taken lightly, especially on their home deck.
Not even a possible top-four battle with Gold Coast at home next week will distract Chris Scott's side.
"We've narrowed our focus to the Eagles' more recent form, which hasn't been too bad," Henry said.
"A few things have clicked for them and they got that win.
"They've looked pretty dangerous at times, so we've got to show up with the right intent to dismiss them."
West Coast suffered a huge blow when All-Australian forward Jake Waterman was ruled out for the rest of the season with a shoulder injury sustained in last week's heavy defeat to Adelaide.
Ruck-forward Bailey Williams (managed) and Tom Gross (omitted) are also out of the team.
Emerging key forwards Jack Williams and Archer Reid have been called up, as has one-game defender Bo Allan.
Geelong made just one change to the team that beat the Western Bulldogs, with Connor O'Sullivan back in place of Jed Bews (managed).

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Ryan Daniels: Inside Harley Reid's contract talks and the multi-million dollar offers on the table

West Australian

an hour ago

West Australian

Ryan Daniels: Inside Harley Reid's contract talks and the multi-million dollar offers on the table

It wasn't quite high-powered Wall Street execs in Armani suits, marching in to close a billion-dollar deal — but the stakes, in a footy sense, were just as high. Harley's Melbourne-based manager Nick Geischen rolled into town, and while he didn't utter the words 'Show Me the Money', he didn't need to. The phrase was emanating from his $24 million smile. It's been a hectic week in Harley-world, with a somewhat surprising shift in the situation. Earlier this year, the Eagles put forward multiple contract options to Harley's team. Three, five, seven-year deals — a pick-your-own-adventure approach. Nothing came of it. which had people thinking — he's gone. Even before the Eagles drafted him, there was talk Harley would bail. That the Eagles would be better off trading the pick. Victorian journalist Sam McLure now famously declared 'they won't pick him, Mitch (Cleary)' — suggesting West Coast would be better off passing on one of the most prodigious talents the draft has seen in years — just to avoid the inevitable messy exit. It's always been perceived as a matter of when Harley will leave, not if . Then, the twist. Geischen had come bearing gifts — a proposal for West Coast. An 11-year deal. $2.2 million per year, on average. $24 million all up. The largest deal in AFL history. More money per year than Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins. Unprecedented numbers across the board. While it sounds like monopoly money, in 11 years, $2.2 million won't be as crazy as it sounds right now. By then, Harley will be 32 and potentially edging out of his prime — but with the growth of the AFL's salary cap, he might end up a bargain at some stage. Remember, back in 1994 Alastair Lynch signed a ten-year deal for $1 million — at $100,000 per season, people lost their minds at the money. By the time Lynch retired, he was woefully underpaid. As part of this proposed deal, Harley would have the option to leave after two years. If not, he'd be here until the end of 2037. Let that sink in. In 2037 we might actually have flying cars and robot slaves. Or we'll be slaves to the robots. I'll be 54 years old. Bring me a pair of warm slippers, a glass of prune juice, and cap it off with a few episodes of Murder She Wrote. Maybe my idea of what it's like to be 54 is a little dated — but you get the point — 2037 is an eternity away. Harley's people bringing this to the table signals his intention to stay — if terms can be agreed. So, what's changed? Nothing, really. All along we've heard Harley, the Eagles, even his management declare the young midfielder was taking his time, happy in Perth. In recent weeks Reid's form has elevated, he's exhibiting an edge, leadership around the club. He's forming strong bonds with teammates. My understanding is he's told Andrew McQualter he wants to stay. At 20, he's living on his own, cooking, cleaning, he's got a dog. He's handling the media/fan pressure superbly. Some 20-year-olds can barely remember to flush the toilet. This kid is settled. Credit to the Eagles for an environment where a country kid from the other side of Australia feels comfortable, happy. Saying that, nothing is guaranteed here. The new proposal isn't quite a gun to the head, an ultimatum — but it's not miles off it. This is how keeping Harley Reid looks. If that's too rich, there will be other suitors. It's a fairly simple situation — other than the overwhelming commitment. That's the holdup, if there is one. No one saw this coming. Not even the Eagles. The deal, or at least the sheer enormity of it, has blindsided West Coast. They've taken a pause. In the month following the contract proposal landing in their inbox, there's been no response. Some meals take a lot longer to digest, and this is like going to a steak joint and being served an entire cow. Don't panic Eagles fans, they know what they have in Harley. They love him. If they believe they've found the sun which all other planets can rotate around, that he could be their Dustin Martin, their Patrick Dangerfield, then they need to do it. Maybe it's a slight variation of this proposed deal, a happy compromise, but they can't get too cute here. Harley could be the AFL's best player within a few years. Yes, a deal that long, with that kind of financial commitment comes with risk. In my opinion, it's a risk worth taking. This kid is special. He wants to be here and he's box office. After a disastrous four years at the West Coast Eagles, the signature of Harley Reid would be a significant victory and a sign that things might finally be turning around. Years of endless chat about a move back to Victoria for Harley, now the Eagles have a chance to keep their man. They just need to sign on the dotted line.