Harley Reid experienced a tumultuous day on the field as he showcased his talent while facing challenges during the heated clash between the Eagles and crosstown rivals Fremantle. The 20-year-old budding megastar turned in a beauty of a performance. Sadly, a debilitating injury took him off of the field in his last quarter.
Reid, who was the obvious focus of Fremantle’s defence from the first quarter on, was left out to dry. Furthermore, he gifted opponents five free kicks in the first half alone. Even so, he was a huge part of the offensive play of his team. His standout moment came when he received a handpass on the wing, took a running bounce, and kicked a stunning goal from 47 meters, energizing the crowd and showcasing his potential.
Reid’s day only got worse from there. Just past the midway point of the second quarter he was blindsided by a heavy hit by Fremantle forward Patrick Voss. Reid was running full speed into a stoppage when an completely unanticipated off-the-ball screen slammed him to the ground. Now, he was limping in pain. The incident shocked fans and teammates alike. He was carted off the field by team trainers after being tackled to the ground and suffering an apparent lower leg injury.
During the match, Reid showed poise and confidence under pressure. He tallied disposals, one goal, and 15 score involvements for the game while finishing with 23 disposals. He certainly had the biggest impact on the game. His early sparring sessions with seasoned campaigner Jaeger O’Meara highlighted just how fierce the rivalry was.
In the final term Reid kicked his second following a set shot. Gathered on the steps of San Jose City Hall, in the heat of celebration that night, he quieted the throng. This signalled his intent and belief to overcome the difficulties presented by Fremantle’s blanket defense and kick goals from distance. Sadly, though, even the best of Taylor’s performance would soon be overshadowed as an injury would force him to exit the game early.
Reid’s performance was undoubtedly the main talking point following Fremantle’s 49-point victory over the Eagles. He was the most dominant player on the field and lived in the backfield, collapsing pockets and affecting key plays that allowed his team to remain competitive. Even when he is set to play, questions abound about his effectiveness after such a brutal injury.
As disappointed as they are, the Eagles are committed to bouncing back from this loss. They’ll be watching Reid’s progress with fingers crossed, eager to see him back in the game. For now, Reid’s rollercoaster day serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports and the physical toll it can take on even the most promising athletes.
