West Coast emerging superstar Harley Reid has inspired the Eagles to a stirring 17-point victory over GWS Giants on Sunday night.
In a rollercoaster clash, the Eagles kicked the final four goals of the match to seal an incredible victory.
Star forward Jake Waterman kicked two of them before unlikely hero Bailey Williams capped off the greatest game of his career with a towering mark and goal with just over five minutes remaining.
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Milan Murdock put the finishing touches on the upset victory with a goal after the final siren following a big tackle of Lachie Whitfield.
The win, which was West Coast’s third of the season, ended a six-match losing streak.
Reid was undoubtedly the star of the night, racking up 33 touches, 10 clearances, eight tackles and kicking two goals.
Social media quickly lit up as Reid put on a show for the ages.
“Harley Reid was next level tonight, if he keeps this up constantly he will be the best player in the comp,” one fan said.
“That for me was the best i have seen Harley Reid. Brilliant game,” another added.
“This is the Harley Reid everyone was waiting for,” another said.
“Gee Harley Reid is getting better and better every time I watch. Going to be as good as everyone thought he was going to be. His tank is getting bigger and his second and third efforts are great to watch,” another added.
The second quarter was the Harley Reid show as the No.1 draft pick from 2023 tore the game apart.
Reid tallied 14 disposals and kicked two goals for the quarter – including a clutch set shot from near the boundary – as the Eagles kicked six of the first seven goals of the term.
The 21-year-old also produced an audacious ‘don’t argue’ on Joe Fonti, but Reid’s late turnover that led to a Jake Stringer goal allowed the Giants to close the margin to 14 points at halftime.
Tim Kelly was also influential in the second-quarter onslaught with 10 disposals and four clearances, with GWS looking spooked at times by West Coast’s desperation.
GWS came out with a bang in the third term, with two goals in three minutes to Max Gruzewski sparking a five-goals-to-two quarter as the Giants snatched back the lead.
West Coast’s Milan Murdock gave away a 100m penalty early in the final quarter for back chat to the umpire, and GWS used the excellent field position to kick the all-important first goal of the term.
But Waterman’s double strike followed by Williams’ huge mark and goal set West Coast on the path to victory.
– With AAP
