By George Cooke

Derby 60 has come and gone, with the Dockers securing their first victory of the season, while the West Coast Eagles suffered yet another disappointing loss. However, despite the defeat, the Eagles had some standout moments, particularly from their young talent. One player who caught attention was Archer Reid, who recently held a press conference that BOOM attended. Here’s what we learned from his performance against Fremantle and his thoughts on the upcoming clash with the GWS Giants.

Thoughts on The Derby: 

Reflecting on his performance last weekend, ruckman Archer Reid discussed his two goals and two behinds, expressing satisfaction with his game. He noted that each match is boosting his confidence, particularly compared to his previous season with the WAFL Eagles. Addressing the team’s result, Reid acknowledged that while it wasn’t the outcome they had hoped for, it highlighted areas that need improvement as the season progresses.

Now settling into his role as a ruckman, the 19-year-old admitted that while he is still developing in the position, he feels ready to commit to it alongside his forward duties for the Eagles. Reid remains optimistic about his future, stating, “There’s only one way to go now, and that’s up.”

Ahead of The Game with GWS Giants: 

Ahead of this week’s game against the GWS Giants, Reid acknowledged the challenge they pose but emphasized that it doesn’t shake his confidence or willingness to take on the task. He added that the Eagles can learn valuable lessons from facing a strong team like the Giants, helping them improve in future games beyond Round 4. While he hasn’t fully analyzed the Giants’ potential lineup for the weekend, Archer is certain the match will be a significant test.

Addressing The Rumours with Oscar Allen and Sam Mitchell: 

 Over the weekend, West Coast Eagles captain Oscar Allen met with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell. Allen’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, and he has yet to secure an extension. When asked about the situation, Archer Reid admitted that he was not fully aware of the details but expressed his trust in Allen as both a captain and a teammate.

New Jersey for Gather Round: 

Just before the press conference began, the Eagles unveiled their uniforms for next week’s Gather Round in South Australia on social media. Archer Reid was kind enough to showcase the new design in person, which features a striking throwback to the club’s classic yellow color scheme. When asked about his thoughts on the uniform, Archer expressed his excitement, telling Boom, ‘It feels perfect for Gather Round.