Harley Reid runs away from a pack in West Coast's game against Richmond in R5, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

WEST Coast star Harley Reid has been assessed for a lower leg issue after being forced out of an extended match simulation session on Friday. 

Reid attempted to return after speaking with trainers on the boundary before coming from the ground again and having his lower left leg assessed. 

The young star completed several tests with fitness staff before heading to the rooms and did not return as the players completed three 20-minute periods of match play.

The Eagles confirmed late on Friday that Reid was continuing to be assessed with a sore lower leg. 

The former No.1 pick was on a modified training program leading up to Christmas as he managed disrupted scar tissue from an old lower-leg injury. He also spent time on the sidelines after a knock to the head in training. 

The 19-year-old was used as a centre-bounce midfielder on Friday before being forced from the ground as the Eagles assembled what appeared close to a best 18 team in match simulation. 

Harley Reid during West Coast's 2025 team photo day at Mineral Resources Park on January 30, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos

Teammate Elijah Hewett was prominent in the midfield and attended most centre bounces alongside club champion Tim Kelly and co-captain Liam Duggan

Half-forward Jack Hutchinson was also used in wing and midfield roles for the stronger 'blue' team, with Jack Graham (personal reasons) and Jake Waterman among those missing from the session. 

Ruckmen Bailey Williams and Matt Flynn, who are battling for the No.1 role at West Coast, were switched halfway through the session after Flynn started in blue. 

Lloyd Meek and Matt Flynn during the round 16 match between West Coast and Hawthorn at Optus Stadium, June 30, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

Former forward Ryan Maric continued his shift into defence and was regularly involved as a rebounder and with kick-in duties, with draftee Bo Allan also playing in the stronger backline. 

Small forward Tyler Brockman, defender Reuben Ginbey and fellow backman Brody Hough were others to impress, with draftee Tom Gross showing excellent progress as a midfielder with the yellow team. 

Liam Baker was also absent from Friday's match simulation after suffering a minor ankle sprain on Wednesday, but the former Richmond defender completed a running session and said he expected to work back into training next week.

Speaking to the media for the first time since crossing west during the 2024 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period, Baker said he had been motivated to join the Eagles to be part of a rebuilding group.

"I've always loved this club and I felt like at Richmond I jumped on the end of a successful era," Baker said.

"They always spoke about how good the hard times were when it was tough, now that they ended up winning a few flags.

"So that sort of drove me to come here and be part of a group that's changing, new style with new coaches, new players, so I want to ride that wave."

Liam Baker during West Coast's 2025 team photo day at Mineral Resources Park on January 30, 2025. Picture: AFL Photos

Baker joined the Eagles as part of a three-club trade that saw the Eagles send their pick No.3 to Carlton, receiving Baker, small forward Matt Owies, and pick No.12, eventually securing local defender Bo Allan with their first pick.

Baker said it was now up to him to deliver as a player and push the club to be as successful as it can be, joking that he was having a rough time with fans due to the price paid to land him.

"I had something chucked at me the other day. No, I'm kidding," the half-back laughed.

"I wouldn't say it was a rough first few days, but it was a bit of, you know, 'This is what I'm in for'. But since I've been back here, I honestly haven't heard too much about it.

"It's the nature of the game. I wanted to get here and the way they got me here just caused a few headlines. But they say they're happy, I'm happy, so we're all happy.

"I'm in the same boat as them (fans). I want to win, they want to see us win, so now that it's all happened, it's my job to be the best player I can be and push this team as much as I can, as well as everyone else."