West Coast have confirmed young star Harleuy Reid will be managed for this week's game against Gold Coast, with the teenager to head home to Victoria over the weekend to spend time with family during his break.
Reid has been among the Eagles' top performers over the opening six weeks of the season, with his past fortnight proving why the Tongala junior was so highly-rated during his draft campaign.
In a move that the club hopes will "give him the best chance to continue to be available", West Coast will rest Reid for Round 7, stating the significant "physical and mental demands" have also played a part in the decision.
Eagles football manager Gavin Bell also confirmed Reid will fly to Victoria over the weekend for "family reasons".
โHarley has been fantastic for us over the first six weeks,โ Bell said, via the club.
โBut we feel it is appropriate to manage him this week to give him the best chance to continue to be available and play at a high level for the remainder of 2024.
โThe physical and mental demands to play, recover, prepare, train, and play again are significant on younger players and so taking a weekend off will give him a chance to manage his body and energy levels as he adapts to his first full season of AFL football.
โWe have been consistent in our position that it is unrealistic for Harley to come in and play 23 AFL games and so we manage him accordingly and look forward to him returning for the home game against Essendon on Saturday May 4.
โFor family reasons Harley will return home and spend some time in Victoria this weekend.โ
The Eagles will head to Queensland over the coming days ahead of their clash with the Suns on Sunday.
Reid is expected to return to action in Round 8 when the Eagles return home for a game against Essendon at Optus Stadium on Saturday, May 4.
