Wooden spoon Eagles bank on Reid to stick around
The Eagles slumped to their eighth consecutive defeat on Saturday night when they imploded in the third quarter on the way to a 49-point loss to fellow strugglers Richmond.
West Coast trailed by just nine points at halftime before Richmond piled on eight goals to one in a devastating third-quarter blitz to run away with the 16.9 (105) to 8.8 (56) win.
Reid racked up a whopping 20 disposals and six clearances in the first half, but he was restricted to just four possessions in the third quarter after Jack Ross was sent to him as a hard tag.
Even Richmond coach Adem Yze said he felt "sorry for the kid" given Reid, at just 20, is now the No.1 target for opposition taggers.
West Coast (1-17) are destined to collect their second wooden spoon in the space of three seasons, and Reid has tasted just six victories in his 38-game career.
Reid is contracted until the end of 2026, but the depths of West Coast's despair has raised questions about whether the Victorian will re-sign.
McQualter doesn't think West Coast's plight will put Reid off from staying, however.
"I think if you see Harley and the way he's invested, he's absolutely in and he's a competitor," McQualter said.
"He's wanting to do everything to get this club out of this position.
"Nobody likes losing, I appreciate that part of it. We're all sick to death of it to be honest.
"But we're the only people that can make a change. It's people inside the four walls that can get us out of here and we have to do it together."
Once Reid was tagged on Saturday night, West Coast had no other midfielder stand up.
It was a far different scenario last year when Elliot Yeo - who has missed all of this season with an ankle injury - was there to provide Reid with big-bodied support.
"We are aware that we've got a 20-year-old carrying our midfield," McQualter said.
"It's not an easy position for him. As a team we have to find more people and players and ways to not rely on one person.
"I thought Harley was by far our best player tonight.
"I loved his team-first approach, the way he attacked the ball. He was inspirational to his teammates. I love the way he went about it."
Reid tallied just seven disposals in the second half, but he managed to kick two goals when he was sent into attack in the last quarter.
"It wasn't too much fun. He didn't like it," Ross said of his tagging job on Reid.
"Harley had an unbelievable first half ... but I like the challenge. He's a hell of a player.
"He took me to places of the ground I haven't been yet. A great talent."
West Coast coach Andrew McQualter says the entire club is sick of losing, but he doesn't think it will dissuade Harley Reid from sticking around.
The Eagles slumped to their eighth consecutive defeat on Saturday night when they imploded in the third quarter on the way to a 49-point loss to fellow strugglers Richmond.
West Coast trailed by just nine points at halftime before Richmond piled on eight goals to one in a devastating third-quarter blitz to run away with the 16.9 (105) to 8.8 (56) win.
Reid racked up a whopping 20 disposals and six clearances in the first half, but he was restricted to just four possessions in the third quarter after Jack Ross was sent to him as a hard tag.
Even Richmond coach Adem Yze said he felt "sorry for the kid" given Reid, at just 20, is now the No.1 target for opposition taggers.
West Coast (1-17) are destined to collect their second wooden spoon in the space of three seasons, and Reid has tasted just six victories in his 38-game career.
Reid is contracted until the end of 2026, but the depths of West Coast's despair has raised questions about whether the Victorian will re-sign.
McQualter doesn't think West Coast's plight will put Reid off from staying, however.
"I think if you see Harley and the way he's invested, he's absolutely in and he's a competitor," McQualter said.
"He's wanting to do everything to get this club out of this position.
"Nobody likes losing, I appreciate that part of it. We're all sick to death of it to be honest.
"But we're the only people that can make a change. It's people inside the four walls that can get us out of here and we have to do it together."
Once Reid was tagged on Saturday night, West Coast had no other midfielder stand up.
It was a far different scenario last year when Elliot Yeo - who has missed all of this season with an ankle injury - was there to provide Reid with big-bodied support.
"We are aware that we've got a 20-year-old carrying our midfield," McQualter said.
"It's not an easy position for him. As a team we have to find more people and players and ways to not rely on one person.
"I thought Harley was by far our best player tonight.
"I loved his team-first approach, the way he attacked the ball. He was inspirational to his teammates. I love the way he went about it."
Reid tallied just seven disposals in the second half, but he managed to kick two goals when he was sent into attack in the last quarter.
"It wasn't too much fun. He didn't like it," Ross said of his tagging job on Reid.
"Harley had an unbelievable first half ... but I like the challenge. He's a hell of a player.
"He took me to places of the ground I haven't been yet. A great talent."
West Coast coach Andrew McQualter says the entire club is sick of losing, but he doesn't think it will dissuade Harley Reid from sticking around.
The Eagles slumped to their eighth consecutive defeat on Saturday night when they imploded in the third quarter on the way to a 49-point loss to fellow strugglers Richmond.
West Coast trailed by just nine points at halftime before Richmond piled on eight goals to one in a devastating third-quarter blitz to run away with the 16.9 (105) to 8.8 (56) win.
Reid racked up a whopping 20 disposals and six clearances in the first half, but he was restricted to just four possessions in the third quarter after Jack Ross was sent to him as a hard tag.
Even Richmond coach Adem Yze said he felt "sorry for the kid" given Reid, at just 20, is now the No.1 target for opposition taggers.
West Coast (1-17) are destined to collect their second wooden spoon in the space of three seasons, and Reid has tasted just six victories in his 38-game career.
Reid is contracted until the end of 2026, but the depths of West Coast's despair has raised questions about whether the Victorian will re-sign.
McQualter doesn't think West Coast's plight will put Reid off from staying, however.
"I think if you see Harley and the way he's invested, he's absolutely in and he's a competitor," McQualter said.
"He's wanting to do everything to get this club out of this position.
"Nobody likes losing, I appreciate that part of it. We're all sick to death of it to be honest.
"But we're the only people that can make a change. It's people inside the four walls that can get us out of here and we have to do it together."
Once Reid was tagged on Saturday night, West Coast had no other midfielder stand up.
It was a far different scenario last year when Elliot Yeo - who has missed all of this season with an ankle injury - was there to provide Reid with big-bodied support.
"We are aware that we've got a 20-year-old carrying our midfield," McQualter said.
"It's not an easy position for him. As a team we have to find more people and players and ways to not rely on one person.
"I thought Harley was by far our best player tonight.
"I loved his team-first approach, the way he attacked the ball. He was inspirational to his teammates. I love the way he went about it."
Reid tallied just seven disposals in the second half, but he managed to kick two goals when he was sent into attack in the last quarter.
"It wasn't too much fun. He didn't like it," Ross said of his tagging job on Reid.
"Harley had an unbelievable first half ... but I like the challenge. He's a hell of a player.
"He took me to places of the ground I haven't been yet. A great talent."
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The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Vixens feel they have the antidote to stop hot Fever
Retiring coach Simone McKinnis says nothing short of the Melbourne Vixens' best will be enough to stop the West Coast Fever juggernaut in Saturday's Super Netball grand final. The Vixens are determined to send McKinnis, stepping down after 13 years at the helm, out as a winner but face a mighty task in toppling the Fever, who are on a 13-game winning streak. In the two clashes through the season Melbourne haven't come close, but after fighting their way from fourth to a spot in the decider at a sold-out Rod Laver Arena, believe they can cause a boilover against the runaway minor premiers. The Vixens fortuitously have a home grand final thanks to Netball Australia selling off the match to the highest bidder, which the Victorian government won last September. 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"It's been a really good two-week build to the game ... there's a great energy amongst the group and confidence and excitement to get out there and hopefully play some great netball." Retiring coach Simone McKinnis says nothing short of the Melbourne Vixens' best will be enough to stop the West Coast Fever juggernaut in Saturday's Super Netball grand final. The Vixens are determined to send McKinnis, stepping down after 13 years at the helm, out as a winner but face a mighty task in toppling the Fever, who are on a 13-game winning streak. In the two clashes through the season Melbourne haven't come close, but after fighting their way from fourth to a spot in the decider at a sold-out Rod Laver Arena, believe they can cause a boilover against the runaway minor premiers. The Vixens fortuitously have a home grand final thanks to Netball Australia selling off the match to the highest bidder, which the Victorian government won last September. The Vixens suffered a two-goal loss in last year's grand final in Adelaide against the Thunderbirds, with their last title coming win a victory against the Fever in 2020, when the title showdown was played in a Queensland hub due to COVID-19. McKinnis acknowledged it would be tough but not impossible to stop the Fever, who won their last grand final meeting in 2022, and in particular Jamaican sharp-shooter Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard. They have been boosted by the return of star wing attack Hannah Mundy, who has been sidelined for more than a month with a foot injury but got the green light this week. "We have to be at our absolute best, individually and collectively as a team and I think that anything bar that is not going to cut it," said McKinnis, a former Diamonds wing defence. "We have to have real clarity and intention about what we're doing out there, we have to put them under as much pressure as we can and we have to go for it back ourselves in attack. "Tough ask, but I believe we can do it." Fever coach Dan Ryan said his team's preparation had been seamless as they sat back and watched the Vixens claw their way from a 10-goal three-quarter time deficit to oust the NSW Swifts in the preliminary final. The Perth outfit beat the Vixens in the final round of the season by 11 goals with Fowler-Nembhard slotting a stunning 60 goals with her only blemish missing two long-range super shots. But Ryan said they were far from a one-player team. "To win this competition every single player needs to pull their weight and do their role and every role is slightly different and we've got a team of 10 that we have great confidence to turn to at any point in time," he said. "Jhaniele is obviously a focal point for us, and she's always a focal point in opposition game plans as well, but we really back in every position on the court to bring out the best in each other and support each other on that court. "It's been a really good two-week build to the game ... there's a great energy amongst the group and confidence and excitement to get out there and hopefully play some great netball." Retiring coach Simone McKinnis says nothing short of the Melbourne Vixens' best will be enough to stop the West Coast Fever juggernaut in Saturday's Super Netball grand final. The Vixens are determined to send McKinnis, stepping down after 13 years at the helm, out as a winner but face a mighty task in toppling the Fever, who are on a 13-game winning streak. In the two clashes through the season Melbourne haven't come close, but after fighting their way from fourth to a spot in the decider at a sold-out Rod Laver Arena, believe they can cause a boilover against the runaway minor premiers. The Vixens fortuitously have a home grand final thanks to Netball Australia selling off the match to the highest bidder, which the Victorian government won last September. 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13 hours ago
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Herald Sun
13 hours ago
- Herald Sun
Nathan Buckley says Jordan De Goey can be a finals wildcard
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Their contested ball numbers have been poor, winning this stat only once this year and averaging 18 less against their opposition every week. If you can't win it, you can keep it, so that is the first box that needs to be ticked against the Dees to see the rest of their game have a chance at blossoming. # Kysaiah Pickett's form this year has been exceptional. His best football has been on display in his team's wins which highlights the impact he has. It also shows the improvement that is still there to be gained as when he drops off, so do the Dees. Those sort of comparisons make him a prime candidate for attention from the opposition and he should expect it in some shape or form. # Tim Kelly's performance in the Derby was encouraging last week. He was back hunting the football through the midfield and his workrate to get to the contest was much improved. When moving well he swoops on loose ball contests with grace and poise. It was good to see some of this back in his game and the Eagles would love for that to be on show again today. FAST FACT: Melbourne has lost seven of its past eight games. But the Demons have won five of their past six clashes with West Coast. GOLD COAST V RICHMOND, 4.10PM People's First Stadium # The Suns have shown their absolute best and their low water mark in the last three weeks against very good opposition. This week they meet their coach's old club in a match-up they will be expected to dominate. The Suns' connection inside F50 was lethal against the Lions last week and with multiple threats in the front half, they were able to hit the scoreboard consistently across the game kicking five goals in each quarter on the way to a comprehensive win. # Richmond's list build has allowed their young and talented future to be supported by the hardened experienced past and present. In almost every line there is an experienced leader who has accepted the task at hand and is leading with effort and energy. This is a feather in the cap, not just to those players but also to the coach who has been able to harness these attributes and reframe their challenge to get consistent investment from his charges. # Matt Rowell has won 15-plus clearances three times so far in his 103 games. To put that into context, the only other player to have done that three times is Brett Ratten. FAST FACT: Richmond upset Gold Coast by 11 points at Marvel Stadium in round 6. Tigers Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper shared 62 disposals between in the match. SYDNEY V ESSENDON, 4:10PM SCG # Sydney's momentum was evident leading into half-time of their game last week. They were on song and on the charge until the Giants' third quarter onslaught put an abrupt end to it. With close to a full bill of health now, it has come too little too late for the Swans in 2025 but they still have the ability to shape the Top 8 between now and season's end. Back on their home deck and against a vulnerable opponent is a chance to impose their best football and take some satisfaction out of the tail end of the season. # Essendon will field a 14th debutant this week in a sure sign of how undermanned the Bombers are right now. It won't be easy against the Swans, but they need to look at little wins as a focus going forward, including winning quarters. The Bombers have won only three quarters since round 16, which is the fewest in the competition in that time. # Sydney took only three marks inside 50 last round – its equal-fewest on record. Will Hayward took all three marks – booting three goals. He'll miss this week, so the Swans will need more players to step up and give the ball distributors not only a target to kick to, but a target who can take a grab. FAST FACT: Essendon has lost its past eight games by an average margin of 44 points per match. The Bombers have not kicked more than 11 goals in any of those clashes. COLLINGWOOD V BRISBANE, 7.35PM MCG # Two of the modern heavyweight teams meet in a marquee fixture that will have a profound influence on the make up of the final 4 with home ground advantage and the double chance still there to earn and to lose for both. The Pies have proven human in recent weeks with good opposition doing just enough to get over the line against them. They have missed Jeremy Howe's leadership in the back half as well as the big frame of Billy Frampton so buffering that with trademark pressure upfield will go a long way to getting the game on their terms. # The Lions left Peoples First Stadium last week with their tails between their legs. In a result that we rarely see, the Lions' midfield was outmuscled and outworked by the hungry Suns. I'll be looking for Lachie Neale, Josh Dunkley and Hugh McCluggage to return to their stellar form and lift their team's intensity around the contest. How this experienced cohort responds will define their team's prospects in September. This is a game the Lions need to win, so expect a finals-like intensity to the fixture. # Brisbane's vaunted new go-forward offence will be tested by the Pies' defensive integrity. A lot of this is imposed by the Pies with their controlled ball use that sets them up for turnover defence. How do the Lions create broken play opportunities and prevent the Pies from slowing the game down? They need to bring fierce pressure in their front half and prevent the first mark being taken to allow the release of pressure and with ball in hand, be prepared to take the longest contest directly to goal … and quickly. # Jordan De Goey has endured what could only be described as a broken season without any momentum or consistency. Performing with this preparation is a challenge he and the Pies will need to face – and pass – in the coming months. De Goey is one of the best trainers I have seen and track watchers have noticed the return of his power and intensity in training drills over the past fortnight. Great signs for what he may provide as a centre forward wildcard come finals time. When a clearance or contest needs to be won or a moment arrives, De Goey has proven that he can rise to it … that ability separates teams in big games. FAST FACT: Collingwood has won the past four meetings between these two teams. Magpie Nick Daicos collected five Brownlow Medal votes from the two home-and-away battles against the Lions last year.
