The Harley Reid show didn't quite live up to the hype, but Nat Fyfe wound back the clock with an impressive midfield display in Fremantle's 52-point practice match win over an under-strength West Coast.
Create a free account to read this article
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Eagles trailed by just 15 points at halftime of Saturday night's match at Mineral Resources Park in Perth, but three goals to Dockers forward Jye Amiss in the third quarter broke open the contest as Fremantle ran away 14.14 (98) to 5.16 (46) winners.
Reid, playing in Eagles colours for the first time since being snared with pick No.1 in last year's national draft, struggled to get into the contest despite playing long stints in the midfield.
The 18-year-old started in the centre circle alongside Tim Kelly and Elliot Yeo, but it took him more than 20 minutes to gather his first possession - a handball in the back pocket.
Reid showcased his potential a minute later with a run, bounce and bullet pass on the wing, and he laid some strong tackles to showcase his strength.
Going head-to-head against two-time Brownlow medallist Fyfe didn't faze him either.
But Reid's third quarter didn't go to plan, giving away a 50m penalty and missing a snap shot on goal.
His dashing run and bounce from a kick-in did show his boldness and pace, with plenty of big things expected from the Victorian in his first year.
Reid was left writhing in pain on the turf in the final quarter with a bad case of cramp, but he was able to jog from the field a short time later, much to the relief of Eagles fans.
"I think he showed some good signs," West Coast assistant Luke Webster said of Reid's performance.
"I like the fact he's trying to take the game on, and that's what we want to see from him."
West Coast midfielder Reuben Ginbey suffered a concussion in the second quarter when he clashed heads with Luke Jackson while trying to lay a tackle on the Dockers big man.
Defender Brady Hough appeared to injure his ankle in the dying seconds of the match.
Eagles ruck recruit Matt Flynn is in doubt for the start of the AFL season after injuring his hamstring at training on Friday.
West Coast also entered the match without the likes of Jeremy McGovern (soreness), Liam Ryan (hamstring), Jack Darling (hamstring), Dom Sheed (foot), Elijah Hewett (feet) and ex-Hawk Tyler Brockman (knee).
Fremantle were only missing Heath Chapman (hamstring) and Brennan Cox (leg) from their best 22.
Last year's short-lived experiment of playing Fyfe in attack is now a distant memory, with the two-time Brownlow Medallist influential against West Coast.
Fyfe's ability to win the hard ball and fire out a handball to a teammate was invaluable, showcased by his goal assist for Sam Switkowski in the opening term.
It was by no means a perfect performance, as illustrated when he got caught stone cold holding the ball in the second term.
But after being limited to just 16 games over the past two years, the signs look far more promising for Fyfe for 2024.
Fyfe, Michael Walters, Switkowski and Alex Pearce were all subbed out at halftime.
Amiss dominated the third term, while Jackson kicked two in the last as Fremantle ran away with the win.
Australian Associated Press
