Harley Reid: West Coast Eagles star clobbered by Charlie Comben to spark heated brawl at three-quarter time

North Melbourne’s Charlie Comben is set to face Match Review scrutiny for a brawl-sparking crude hit on Harley Reid that the Eagle described as “one straight to the chin”.

Reid was heading to celebrate a superb boundary-line goal from Elliot Yeo on the stroke of three-quarter time when he ran close to Comben.

The Roos defender appeared to strike Reid’s neck and head area with both of his hands in a strong fend.

It came after Comben’s initial reckless tackle on Yeo where he collared the veteran Eagle around the neck.

Speaking after the game, Reid said he had been surprised by the hit.

“I didn’t expect that... I was a bit frustrated,” Reid said on Fox.

“I was just trying to get over to Yeoy after he kicked that amazing goal and just copped one straight to the chin.

“I just thought ‘dog eat dog’ out there. He went for his head, so a bit ‘dog’. But ah well, we move on.”

It set off a series of heated confrontations, with Eagles forward Jake Waterman appearing to point the finger at Comben as the stoush continued with both clubs walking to their respective huddles for the break.

The melee is likely to see multiple players from both sides fined, but the blow will be softened for West Coast’s group as they sink in a winning feeling for the first time since last May.

After racking up a career-high 30 disposals, Reid described the result as “bloody awesome”.

“I’m just super grateful that we played to our system and we got the job done,” he said.

“We were a bit fumbly early on. We went back to our strengths and what we bring as a team, and we showed that in the last three quarters and the energy was high.”

Reid paid credit to housemate and West Coast’s most recent top draft pick Willem Duursma, who booted two crucial goals in the win.

The star midfielder revealed the pair had played AFL26 on their Playstation in the hours leading up to the match before he offered Duursma some advice for his first home game.

“I just said embrace the crowd, and he did that tonight. We’ve got such a strong base over here and we appreciate their support, and they get amongst it when we kick goals.”

Duursma admitted he had been nervous while lining up for what would be the game’s first goal - and the first of his career - from long range.

“I think most of the goals I kicked last year and the past couple of years have been from outside 50,” he said.

“I was very nervous when I was having a shot. The ball was nearly shaking in my hands. But it was good fun.”