West Coast coach Adam Simpson has confirmed young star Harley Reid will return for Saturday’s clash with Essendon at Optus Stadium.
The 19-year-old was rested for the match against the Suns on the Gold Coast after “flagging” in the wake of his incredible maiden western derby performance, falling one vote short of the Glendenning-Allan medal, won by star veteran Elliott Yeo.
However, after returning to his hometown of Tongala to recuperate with family, Simpson guaranteed that Reid would return this week if all things went well.
“Early last week, we just saw some of the metrics we measure our players and their recovery by just flagging a little bit,” he told 7NEWS.
“So, we just thought the opportunity to give him a rest or manage him for a week was coming up, and we took the advantage that week.
“If it wasn’t last week, it would’ve been this week, so right in the middle between round one and the bye, we always knew we were going to give him a rest.
“He’ll be back this week.”
A fresh Reid, who touched back down in Perth on Monday, could be the difference for West Coast, who will come into the clash having had a six-day break, while the Bombers will have had nine days rest after playing in an Anzac Day draw against reigning premiers Collingwood.
Reid is averaging 18 touches, three tackles and five clearances a game and has kicked five goals through his first six matches.
West Coast came within one point of upsetting Essendon in their last encounter in round 21, 2023, at Marvel Stadium.