West Coast rising star Reuben Ginbey has limped from the field with a quad injury during Saturday night's clash against Port Adelaide. The 21-year-old, who had been one of the Eagles' best in the first half, went down in a heap when he desperately tried to chase down Mitch Georgiades, who was running into an open goal.
Ginbey got to his feet and was able to hobble off the field, but looked in serious discomfort. The fan favourite received a standing ovation from the Eagles' faithful.
“We hear the round of applause and rightfully so. He has been outstanding tonight,” Tom Hawkins said on commentary.
Ginbey eventually returned to the bench with his jacket on and his left quad heavily strapped. The emerging star would be right up there in the Eagles' best and fairest after a bright start to the year. Just last week, he was talked up as an All-Australian candidate after a brilliant job on Essendon's Nate Caddy.
Coach Praises Ginbey's Efforts
“If you just look at his contest work, he has to be (in the team),” McQualter said after last week's win over the Bombers. “There's some good players, but I just think Reuben absolutely is one of the best key defenders in the game. I think he's doing a great job and I love him in our team.”
Ginbey enjoyed a breakout season in 2025, but was sensationally left out of the extended 40-man 22Under22 squad that year. “It's crazy isn't it?” McQualter mused on Sunday.
More to come.
