Towering young gun Archer Reid has grabbed his opportunity with both hands under new coach Andrew McQualter and says he is growing in confidence with every outing.
Reid was a shining light for West Coast in the RAC Derby with a team-high seven score involvements, equal game-high three contested marks and the first two goals of his budding career.
The 203cm forward-ruck has been getting in goalscoring positions since his round one debut and nailed his first career major after a well-judged mark in the third quarter on Sunday.
“It was a bit of a relief to be honest. It was good. I was happy with it. I was especially happy it was in the goalsquare, too,” Reid said with a laugh.
Reid is renowned as an excellent set shot and added his second with a clever snap in the final term.
He kicked 17.12 in 15 games for the WAFL Eagles last season coming off a knee injury and credited having a full pre-season for his impressive rise so far this year.
The 19-year-old has also been providing strong ruck support and can see himself continuing in the combined role longer-term.
“I’m ready to compete in the ruck. I’m still growing in that area as well, but I’m up for the challenge,” Reid said.
“I probably see myself as that ruck-forward role but it’s up to the coaches where I play and best fit.
“The last few games have been good, I think. Each game I’m growing with confidence and each game I’m growing more and more comfortable out there.”
The Eagles reviewed the 38-point Derby defeat on Tuesday and Reid believed the group would embrace the challenge of travelling to face flag fancy Greater Western Sydney.
“It wasn’t the result we wanted. Obviously, we’re still a growing team and there’s stuff to work on, a lot of unforced errors that may have happened, but we’re working on that,” Reid said.
“Obviously (the Giants are) a tough team. We’re up for the challenge. We can learn from them but we’ll give it everything we’ve got.
“I think the vibe of the group is still positive. We had our meetings today and everyone might have been a bit down but we still know there’s only one way to go, and that’s up.
“There’s still many positives that we have in our game, and there’s stuff that we’re working on.”
