West Coast Eagles' prized recruit Harley Reid has given the club an early pre-season scare after pulling up with a calf issue during the first day of summer training.
Training Session Cut Short
The highly-touted No.1 draft pick was participating in running drills at Mineral Resources Park on Monday when he experienced discomfort in his calf muscle. Club medical staff immediately intervened, pulling the 18-year-old from the main training group for assessment and treatment.
Reid was observed receiving attention from the Eagles' fitness team, casting a shadow over what had been an otherwise positive start to the club's pre-season preparations. The incident occurred during what should have been a routine running component of the session, highlighting the unpredictable nature of professional sport.
Club Takes Cautious Approach
West Coast officials have confirmed the young star will undergo further assessment to determine the severity of the issue. The club is expected to take a conservative approach with their most valuable asset, given Reid's importance to the team's rebuilding plans and the early stage of the pre-season calendar.
"We noticed Harley was experiencing some tightness during running drills and made the immediate decision to pull him from the main group," a club spokesperson told media. "Our medical team is assessing the situation, but we're being particularly cautious given it's only day one of pre-season."
What This Means for Reid's Preparation
The timing of the injury presents a minor setback for the talented midfielder, who had been working diligently during the off-season to build his fitness base. While calf concerns can vary significantly in severity, even minor strains typically require 1-3 weeks of modified training depending on the grade of the injury.
Fellow Eagles players and coaching staff remained focused on completing the session, but there was undeniable concern for their young teammate. The incident serves as a reminder of the physical demands of AFL football and the fine line players walk between peak conditioning and injury.
West Coast fans will be hoping for positive news in the coming days as the club provides updates on Reid's condition and expected recovery timeline. The Eagles begin their 2024 campaign in March, giving the young star sufficient time to recover fully before the season proper begins.
