Latest news with #AFLEaglesFreo
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fyfe, Darcy, Young all in line for Dockers return
The cavalry is on its way for Fremantle, with star trio Nat Fyfe, Hayden Young and Sean Darcy all a chance to return for Sunday's home clash with the Western Bulldogs. The Dockers secured their first win of the AFL season with a 38-point triumph over West Coast on Sunday, improving their record to 1-2. Fremantle skipper Alex Pearce suffered an injury scare late in the match when he appeared to hyper extend his left knee while landing. Pearce was able to return to the field after receiving treatment, and coach Justin Longmuir declared there was nothing to worry about going forward. And in some more good news for Fremantle, Fyfe, Young and Darcy are all in the selection mix this week. Fyfe, who underwent knee surgery over the summer, has strung together three consecutive WAFL practice matches to prove he is ready for AFL action. Darcy (ankle/knee) returned to full training last week, while Young is expected to be on full duties this week after recovering from a hamstring injury. All three will play football this week - it's just a matter of what level. "Fyfe has strung a few together, we'll see where he sits," Longmuir said. "Sean and Youngy should be back at some level, we'll work that out during the week. "The cavalry's coming, but I think the product we put out (against West Coast) with the team we put out was really strong as well." Jye Amiss (four goals) and Josh Treacy (three goals) were potent in attack against West Coast, while debutant Isaiah Dudley kicked two goals. But star recruit Shai Bolton is still searching for his first goal for Fremantle after returning 0.2 from 21 disposals. Bolton's lead-in to the season was disrupted by a leg injury, and Longmuir feels it will just be a matter of time before the former Tiger runs hot. "To be honest, he's probably exceeded my expectations because I've seen the low base he has come off and the intensity in which he's played at - the touch, the pressure, the tackle," Longmuir said. "He's added something different to our centre bounce with his ability to harass and get a finger nail in. "He's maybe searching for that first goal and probably searching a little bit too hard at times. "But he's created a lot of opportunities. He had 10 score involvements (against West Coast) and gave a couple off. So he's tracking really well." Glendinning-Allan Medal number FOUR 🌟#AFLEaglesFreo — AFL (@AFL) March 30, 2025 Caleb Serong won a record-equalling fourth Glendinning-Allan medal for his 35-disposal, 10-clearance effort, joining Dockers great Paul Hasleby at the top of the pile.
Yahoo
28-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eagles back in 'humble' Harley ahead of derby day
West Coast coach Andrew McQualter has thrown his support behind a "humble" Harley Reid, saying he's never seen a 19-year-old AFL player be put under such an intense spotlight. Reid was fined $1000 by the AFL after showing his middle finger to the Gabba crowd during West Coast's 19-point loss to Brisbane Lions on Sunday. The former No.1 draft pick enjoyed a sensational debut season last year, with his Dustin Martin-like fend-offs and powerful midfield bursts earning him instant cult status at West Coast. But Reid's slow start to 2025, repeated off-the-ball skirmishes and playing for free kicks have led to an avalanche of criticism from around the country. The frenzy surrounding Reid has taken first-year coach McQualter by surprise, and he praised the star midfielder for taking it in his stride. "It's fascinating to see it (the intense scrutiny), because I've never seen a 19-year-old in this scenario," McQualter said. "But he's got a really strong support network around him. He's a balanced, humble kid, and he's been good. "He's doing OK. He's preparing to play and be another great teammate this week." Duggo is backing Harley 🤝 — West Coast Eagles (@WestCoastEagles) March 25, 2025 McQualter is all for theatre in sport, but he was quick to acknowledge Reid's actions of showing the middle finger to the crowd wasn't acceptable. "We don't condone Harley's actions," McQualter said. "It's not ideal, that part of it. "But we know how good a person Harley is, and we're putting some really good support plans around him and ensuring that he's going to be a great teammate for many years to come." Reid looms as a key figure in Sunday's western derby against arch rivals Fremantle. In the first derby of last year, Reid kicked three goals from 19 disposals to lead West Coast to a shock 37-point win. Reid tallied 29 disposals and 10 clearances in the second derby of the year as Fremantle came from behind to post a 35-point win. 19 disposals, 7 clearances and 3 Derbys don't get much better than Harley Reid's.#AFLEaglesFreo — AFL (@AFL) April 20, 2024 Dockers coach Justin Longmuir is well aware of Reid's match-winning abilities. "His first derby was outstanding, and in his second derby he was a good contributor," Longmuir said. "He's the sort of the guy that steps up in big moments, by the looks of it. "So yeah, we need to be aware of it. Get the match-ups right. "But you don't want to put too much focus into one person, because there's a couple of others in there that might get a hold of you. "We want to make sure we're balanced with our attention, but we need to make sure he doesn't give them the start that he did in the first derby."
