Reid’s standout performance, amassing 30 possessions, was pivotal in guiding the West Coast Eagles to a 17-point victory over the North Melbourne Kangaroos at Optus Stadium on Sunday night. The Eagles’ 17.9 (111) to 15.4 (94) triumph marked their first win since defeating St Kilda in Round 10 last season.
The heated contest was marred by a significant melee sparked by Comben’s off-the-ball strike on Reid, which occurred just before the three-quarter-time siren. The incident followed a high tackle by the Kangaroos defender on Elliot Yeo, which sent the Eagles player tumbling over the sideline.
Controversial Incident Sparks Melee
As the Eagles celebrated a classy goal by Yeo, Reid approached Comben, leading to a confrontation that saw Comben strike Reid with a forearm to the head. The blow left Reid on the ground, prompting a rush of Eagles players to confront Comben, which quickly escalated into a mass melee involving players from both teams.
After order was restored, tensions remained high as players returned to their huddles. Jake Waterman was notably vocal, continuing to sledge Kangaroos players. Despite a late surge by North Melbourne, the Eagles maintained their composure to secure the win, ending a 308-day drought.
Reid Reflects on the Win
Post-match, Reid expressed mixed emotions about the incident. “I didn’t expect that,” he told Fox Footy. “I was a bit frustrated at that point, but I was just trying to get over the ‘Yeoy’ after he kicked an amazing goal and just copped one straight to the chin.”
Reid later downplayed the altercation, stating, “I wasn’t frustrated, I just thought dog eat dog out there. He went for (the) head, so, a bit dog. But oh well, we move on.” Despite the drama, Reid was elated with the victory, acknowledging the rarity of the win in recent times. “It’s bloody awesome. You miss it, no doubt about it,” he said.
Young Talent Shines
The Eagles’ lineup featured a mix of seasoned players and emerging talent, with nine players having 15 games or less of experience. This youthful group contributed significantly, kicking 10 goals against the Kangaroos. Among them, Cooper Duff-Tytler, the number 4 draft pick, impressed with two goals and involvement in two others.
Assistant coach McQualter praised Duff-Tytler’s performance, highlighting his versatility and potential. “He was incredible, the speed that he had. I just thought he had really big moments in the game,” McQualter noted. “He’s getting some great teachings from Jake Waterman and Harry Taylor, our aerial coach. And he’s going to be a pretty special player.”
Looking Ahead
The victory provides a much-needed morale boost for the Eagles, who have struggled in recent seasons. With a blend of experienced players and promising newcomers, the team hopes to build on this success. The development of young talents like Duff-Tytler will be crucial as the Eagles aim to climb the ladder in the coming rounds.
As the season progresses, the Eagles will need to maintain their momentum and address any on-field tensions to ensure continued success. The incident with Comben serves as a reminder of the intense emotions that can surface during high-stakes matches, emphasizing the importance of discipline and focus.
With their first win in nearly a year now secured, the Eagles look forward to their next challenge, eager to prove that this victory is just the beginning of a turnaround season.
