Eagles told to play on edge against Suns

Harley Reid and his West Coast teammates have been urged to maintain intensity shown in the derby. (Richard Wainwright/AAP PHOTOS)

The feisty western derby left plenty of players bruised, battered and nursing sore hip pockets, and don't be surprised if there's a repeat in Friday night's clash between West Coast and Gold Coast in Perth.

The Eagles were brave against Fremantle last week, with Harley Reid leading the way on the physical front as West Coast threatened to pull off a derby boilover.

Fremantle eventually prevailed by 35 points, but they were made to work hard for the win in a game that was feisty throughout.

Dockers veteran Nat Fyfe and Eagles duo Jack Petruccelle and Jack Hutchinson copped suspensions, while a total of 14 players were fined for engaging in a melee.

Eagles young gun Harley Reid was the chief protagonist, and his fiery display was widely praised by interim coach Jarrad Schofield.

derby
The western derby was feisty throughout.

Schofield was proud of the entire team's effort, and he wants them to continue playing on edge against Gold Coast.

And with the Suns fighting to keep their slim finals hopes alive, Schofield reckons Gold Coast coach Damien Hardwick will be giving his own players a similar message.

"It's interesting with Damien Hardwick coaching them," Schofield said.

"He might have looked at the derby and think it might be enjoyable to reignite that this week.

"We want our guys to play on the edge and compete, and Harley will be no different.

"You know, six-day turnaround, all our players are freshened up and ready to go.

"If there's that sort of combative nature in our game, we encourage that."

Eagles veteran Jamie Cripps praised Reid's combative display.

"I love the way Harley goes about it," Cripps said. 

"He leaves everything out on the field, he has a crack all game.

"The first-year boys are starting to get bigger and bigger, so you're going to see it more over the next few years I think

"But seeing the way Harley goes about it is quite special, and it's good to be on his team."

Gold Coast (9-10) start the round in 13th place, meaning they will need to win their remaining four games and rely on other results to fall their way in order to make finals.

The Suns have recalled Alex Sexton and Brayden Fiorini for the must-win match.

West Coast made six changes - five of them forced.

Jeremy McGovern, Alex Witherden and Liam Duggan return from injury, while Harvey Johnston and Tyrell Dewar were recalled.

Midfielder Clay Hall, who was taken with pick No.46 in last year's national draft, will make his AFL debut.

Tom Barrass (concussion), Luke Edwards (concussion), Josh Rotham (abdominal), Petruccelle (suspended) and Hutchinson (suspended) were ruled out, while Jai Culley was axed. 

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