The ongoing interest in West Coast star Harley Reid will never waver, and a by-product of that extra attention comes scrutiny.
Reid has played 37 games to date for the struggling Eagles, but has faced criticism and backlash over his performances, which are undoubtedly unfair for a second-year player.
But as emotions boil over and the former Pick 1 continues to engage in scuffles and distractions on field, there is something onlookers can be certain of.
The absence of West Coast veteran Elliot Yeo has played a significant role in Reid's outbursts, with a cool, calm and collected lead not there to bring him back in line.
Elliot Yeo has taken Harley Reid under his wing this season.#AFL #BackChat #ShelterFootyCast pic.twitter.com/sutA4mFX60
— BackChat Studios (@backchat__) July 31, 2024
"I think Yeo' is really significant for Harley," Eagles coach Andrew McQualter said.
Yeo is an incredibly experienced contest beast. (He) takes a bit of pressure off Harley in that space. We've missed Yeo, without question. What he did for Harley last year was incredible.
"Hopefully, Tim (Kelly) can help in that space, just as Jack (Graham) has throughout times this year.
"Harley is going to be a better player for what he's been through. He's really driven to make this team better."
Yeo, who hasn't been sighted in 2025, has been battling a persistent ankle injury that has left his protégé stranded in the undressed Eagles midfield, which has also seen Tim Kelly pushed to the WAFL, and more recently, Jack Graham cop a four-game ban for a homophobic slur.
Last week, McQualter named his starting on-ballers as Matt Flynn (ruck), Brady Hough, Elijah Hewett and Reid, and although that is the future of the club, it proved no match for Port Adelaide's star power.
Needless to say, experience is on the way for this weekend's so-called winnable clash against fellow bottom dwellers Richmond, especially given it's played in front of the home crowd at Optus Stadium.
Tim Kelly is poised to be recalled from a stint in the reserves, while premiership forward Liam Ryan is expected to overcome soreness that saw him sit out the trip to South Australia.
The Eagles are also considering blooding another youngster in Lucca Grego, who, after being taken with Pick 48 in last year's draft, has impressed during the early months at his new club.
Grego is one of three players (Coen Livingstone and Jacob Newton) at West Coast who have yet to play an AFL game. The Victorian has averaged 17.5 disposals, 3.1 marks and 2.8 tackles.
"We speak to Lucca regularly," McQualter said.
"He's improving his footy every week. I've had conversations with him that if he plays this year, great. If he doesn't, that's okay. He's going to have a long career at our footy club. We think he's going to be a great player."
