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Big guns back for West Coast Eagles as Harley Reid and Tim Kelly as Andrew Gaff named on bench
Author: Mitchell Woodcock
Date: June 27, 2024 4:20PM
Topics: AFL, West Coast Eagles
No.1 draftee Harley Reid will make his return to footy after nearly a month on the sidelines after being named for West Coast to take on Hawthorn at Optus Stadium on Sunday. Reid is one of four inclusions into a 26-man squad alongside reigning club champion Tim Kelly, veteran Andrew Gaff and 200cm defender Harry Edwards.
Meanwhile, speedster Jack Petruccelle has been sidelined with an injury and will miss the clash, while at least one more Eagle is set to come out with the return of Reid and Kelly. Star midfielder Elliot Yeo has also been named despite the death of his father Craig on Monday night.
Reid’s inclusion comes after he was suspended for two matches for a sling tackle on St Kilda wingman Darcy Wilson, which he was forced to serve either side of the mid-season bye. The teenage sensation has had an extraordinary start to his career, averaging 18 disposals, three inside 50s and five clearances in his first 11 games to become an instant sensation. Reid has also kicked a remarkable eight goals as well to showcase his forward craft.
Tim Kelly returns for his first game since the 99-point thumping at the hands of Adelaide in round 11, having battled a hip and knee injury respectively. The reigning John Worsfold medallist has become part of a formidable midfield alongside Kelly and Yeo that has led the Eagles to three wins already this season. Kelly is averaging 23 disposals and a career-high six clearances from 11 games.
Gaff and Edwards have been named on an extended bench alongside speedster Jayden Hunt, Alex Witherden, Jamaine Jones, Bailey Williams, Ryan Maric and Jack Hutchinson – with three to come out of the squad on Friday afternoon.
Hawthorn have rested veteran Luke Breust for the clash with Josh Ward, Finn Magginness, Jai Serong and wingman Harry Morrison coming into the squad.
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