West Coast Eagles Training Notes: Harley Reid hides away, new roles teased and who is recovery from injury

West Coast staged their first open training for 2026 in front of hundreds of eager fans — but one of their biggest drawcards did not take part in the session. Here’s what we saw. Harley hides away Hundreds of West Coast fans turned out for the club’s first open training session of 2026 — but they did not have a chance to see the Eagles’ biggest drawcard in full flight. Harley Reid, who presented in immaculate condition for the club’s return to the track on Monday, was hidden away for nearly the entirety of the 90-minute hit-out. The rising superstar emerged from the club’s indoor facility not long after the session started and made his way over to the trainer’s tent, but returned back inside shortly after. The Eagles confirmed Reid was simply having his training loads managed, alongside veterans Elliot Yeo, Liam Duggan and Jamie Cripps, who also did not appear. In November, the 20-year-old conceded he “got a few things wrong in my first off-season” but he looked to have righted those errors in his second, looking much stronger and leaner than he did this time last year. Reid has been a limited participant in training with some regularity throughout his two AFL seasons as he has borne a heavy load for the battling Eagles. But he will be hoping to string together a strong block of work ahead of his side’s season opener against Gold Coast, which is just over two months away. Comeback trail continues Several Eagles moved in and out of training throughout the session as they continue to manage their recovery from injuries. Experienced defender Tom Cole remained on the outer from contact drills due to a finger problem, as backline recruit Tylar Young, who is on the mend from minor shoulder surgery, was limited to running and agility work. Jack Graham made an early exit from the track but did not look to be hampered, with spearhead Jake Waterman — who had his 2025 campaign brought to an early end by an injured shoulder — also looking to be on lighter duties. Ruckman Bailey Williams (groin) made one brief appearance on the track before heading for the exercise bikes alongside Jack Hutchinson (ankle). Prospective captain Liam Baker, Tim Kelly and Brady Hough were among the experienced players to be given a reprieve as the rest of the squad completed a block of running towards the end of the session, while No.1 draft pick Willem Duursma and explosive midfielder Elijah Hewett were also held out of some drills. Draftee Fred Rodriguez, who has been sidelined by the emergence of a stress fracture in his foot, was sporting crutches as he observed training from the boundary’s edge. New role for Maric? Ryan Maric split his time between wing and half-back last season but he may be set for a return to a key position post. The 2023 mid-season draft’s No.1 pick was included in contested marking drills featuring the club’s tall talent competing against the likes of defender Reuben Ginbey and ruckman Matt Flynn. Maric, who was drafted as a forward, played 22 AFL games in the club’s one-win 2025 season, impressing at times in a distributor role but struggling in other moments with his ball use. Kelly also spent time on his attacking craft while most of the club’s midfielders did some ground-ball work, suggesting he may be in line for a return to the half-forward role he endured a difficult start to last season in. Wind wreaks havoc A windy week in Perth made its way to Lathlain on Wednesday morning, with a howling breeze blowing across Mineral Resources Park as the Eagles completed some ball work in the early part of the session. He was not alone in misjudging the conditions but ruck draftee Cooper Duff-Tytler was one player to struggle with his kicking, having one effort caught in the wind and miss the target by several metres. Thankfully, conditions eased in the back half of the session, giving players a better chance to show off their skills.