The West Coast Eagles have decided to manage first year player Harley Reid and he will not participate in the game against Gold Coast on Sunday.

“Harley has been fantastic for us over the first six weeks,” said General Manager Football Gavin Bell.  “But 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.

“The 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.

“We 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.

“For family reasons Harley will return home and spend some time in Victoria this weekend.”