West Coast star Harley Reid is on track to take his place against Greater Western Sydney at ENGIE Stadium on Sunday, coach Andrew McQualter says.
Reid has been recovering from a corked thigh since last round’s fighting loss to Collingwood, when he attempted to will the Eagles over the line despite clearly playing under duress.
“Harley’s tracking well. It’s a decent corkie so he’s working his way through the week but we’re confident he’s going to be able to play,” McQualter said.
Reid’s presence will be important for West Coast’s bid to claim victory on the road against a desperate Giants outfit still with a slim chance of reaching the Wildcard Round.
The Eagles produced arguably their best performance for the season last time the teams met in round 10 at Optus Stadium, coming away with a 17-point triumph.
“Last time we played them we had an unbelievable pressure game – that was the biggest difference in the game,” McQualter said.
“They’ve got some struggles through their midfield in terms of injury but knowing ‘Kingers’ (Giants coach Adam Kingsley) and not too dissimilar to Collingwood last week they know their system inside-out.
“What they will do is replace players and they will come in and plug and play and play the same system.
“Their pressure has been unbelievable the last six weeks – I think they’ve been one or two in the comp for their pressure game – so we’ve got to be able to withstand that, and still the threat of their back-half ball movement.
“(Lachie) Ash, (Lachie) Whitfield among others are still enormous threats and if you give them time and space they’re going to be able to run and carry through you.”
The Eagles clash gets underway at 1.40pm (11.40am AWST) on Sunday, prior to the AFLW team kicking off their season against the Giants at 4.45pm (2.45pm).
“I think it’s a great opportunity for our club. We jump on the plane together and then we’ll both be at captain’s run training at the same time, which is terrific,” McQualter said.
“They’ll get to see part of our game while they’re preparing for their game, and then we’ll get to stay and watch and support them.
“I think it’s a great day for the club. It’s the first time we’ve done it and hopefully both teams can get over there and get a win.”
