West Coast coach Andrew McQualter has come up with the perfect 21st birthday present for Harley Reid - a plan to better protect him from taggers.
Reid hit the important birthday milestone on Friday, and the Eagles will be hoping the celebrations extend all the way to an upset win over arch rivals Fremantle in Sunday's western derby.
The Eagles have snared two victories from the opening five rounds - already double the win count from last season - but their 128-point loss to Sydney a fortnight ago showcased just how vulnerable their young side can be.
Reid was completely blanketed by Sydney tagger James Jordon in that game, with the star Eagles midfielder restricted to 17 disposals and one clearance.
It was a similar case last season, when the year-long absence of Elliot Yeo meant teams heavily targeted Reid.
Fremantle know all too well the danger Reid possesses, with the No.1 draft pick inspiring West Coast to a shock 37-point derby victory in 2024 when he kicked three goals from 19 disposals.
Dockers coach Justin Longmuir this week described Reid as West Coast's barometer, raising the prospect of Fremantle applying a hard tag on Sunday, most likely through Corey Wagner.
McQualter acknowledges Reid needs more protection when he's getting tagged, and says he has come up with some plans.
The return of Yeo this week from an adductor issue will also massively benefit Reid.
"Yeo helps, right. He's a critical piece for midfield experience," McQualter said.
"But it's also the whole team's responsibility (to help Reid when he's getting tagged). It's a whole coaching group's responsibility.
"We did do some work on if we have players tagged what does it look like for us? So if it happens, we're prepared, and we'll work our way through that."
Asked about those plans, McQualter kept things vague, not wanting to give Fremantle any insights.
"Multiple things. There's no one thing, but definitely some protection (is needed)," McQualter said.
Reid's discipline was again questioned during last week's 46-point loss to Geelong, but McQualter was glowing in his praise of the way his young star is blossoming.
"We're all seeing him mature in front of our eyes," McQualter said.
"He's celebrating his 21st birthday today, so you guys should sing happy birthday when he runs out.
"But he's growing up, he's maturing, and he's doing a great job."
The Eagles were dealt two huge injury blows this week, with midfield recruit Deven Robertson (ACL) ruled out for the rest of the season, and Jack Graham (shoulder surgery) set to miss about two months.
