Posted: 2024-06-01 03:27:36

Harley Reid's hopes of winning the AFL Rising star award hang in the balance after he unleashed a dangerous sling tackle during West Coast's 14-point loss to St Kilda in Perth.

The Eagles led by 11 points early in the last quarter of Saturday's match, but three final-term goals to Mason Wood helped lift St Kilda to the 12.10 (82) to 10.8 (68) victory.

Reid faces a nervous wait ahead of the match review officer's findings after slinging Saints youngster Darcy Wilson to the ground in the third quarter.

The force and slinging nature of the tackle resulted in the back of Wilson's head hitting the turf.

Wilson went off to be assessed for concussion but was later cleared to return.

If Reid is suspended, the prized top draft pick will be ineligible to win the Rising Star award.

With hot favourite Reid in danger of being suspended and Western Bulldogs forward Sam Darcy facing a two-match ban, the award could be thrown wide open.

West Coast coach Adam Simpson said he did not want to discuss the Reid tackle in too much detail for fear of getting into trouble with the AFL, but he was hopeful of a positive outcome.

"I thought there's nothing in it, that's what I'll say," Simpson said.

"I spoke to him and it was like, 'Mate, I didn't think there was much in it, so keep going, keep working through the tag'.

"That stuff will work itself out. Whatever happens there, we'll deal with it."

Reid looked set to be the difference in Saturday's match after a 17-disposal, seven-clearance first half, but he was restricted to just three possessions in the second half after being tightly tagged by Marcus Windhager.

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