Harley Reid sends scare through West Coast on day one of pre-season with minor calf problem
West Coast are breathing a sign of relief on day one of AFL pre-season after Harley Reid put a scare through the camp.
The former No.1 draft pick and his first-to-fourth-year teammates were completing a fitness test back at the club on Monday when something appeared to be wrong.
7NEWS Perth’s Ryan Daniels was at Mineral Resources Park when it happened.
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today
“MAS (maximal aerobic speed) test for the players. Harley Reid started strong but has just pulled out, pointing to his calf. Could be cramp, warm conditions,” Daniels said, before explaining more context.
“Hamish Davis won the MAS test, just holding off Clay Hall. Exhausted just watching. Harley’s issue appears to be cramp — has stretched out and shoes back on.”
Shortly after, Daniels added: “Harley has joined training again — crisis averted.
“Elliot Yeo amongst a handful of veterans joining the youngsters, running hard on sidelines.”
As part of the MAS test, a recorded beep increases speed as the players run laps of the oval.
Reid stopped suddenly midway through the session, spoke to fitness staff, then moved to the side where he chatted with coach Andrew McQualter.
Harley Reid trudges off the ground with fitness staff. Credit: The West AustralianReid retreated to the sidelines before re-joining the group. Credit: The West Australian
The gun midfielder pick then moved to the sidelines to receive treatment as his teammates continued to run.
West Coast’s session was then closed to the media but he was visible from behind the fence doing short passes while standing next to Nic Naitanui.
Reid told The West Australian last week that he had done a power of work during the off-season to increase his endurance after struggling with his fitness last season.
All eyes were on him during the session to see how he would run, but also because he unveiled a radical new haircut on social media during the weekend.
Harley Reid’s new hairdo. Credit: Unknown/Supplied
That haircut was covered by a hat on Monday.
Several experienced players joined the youngsters for the sessions, including captain Liam Duggan, Jake Waterman, Elliot Yeo, Jamie Cripps, Bailey Williams, Harry Edwards and Matt Owies.
The experienced players followed their own training program instead of doing the fitness test.
CEO Don Pyke said the Eagles understood the importance of a strong summer.
“I’ve seen enough of them over the last four weeks. There’s been some guys training here and over at McGillvray (Oval). They’re really excited about what’s ahead,” he said.
“They understand we’ve got some work to do. I think they’re here with the right attitude to do the work which is what we need to do to climb back up the ladder.”
– With The West Australian
Zach Merrett a no-show as discarded Blue wins time trial
1 min read
AFL boss explains wildcard call as greats lash ‘knee-jerk’ shift
2 min read
