Deanmill product Harley Sparks enters race for vacant spot on West Coast’s AFL list

Harley Sparks has been given a chance to stake his claim for the final spot on West Coast’s AFL list, with the Deanmill product called up to train with the club’s senior side. The 23-year-old, who won the best and fairest award for the Eagles’ reserves team in 2024, did not look out of place among AFL stars as he completed drills on Monday. Sparks averaged 22.1 disposals per game in the WAFL last season, thriving after a mid-season positional shift from the midfield to half-back. The East Perth junior joined the Eagles after winning the South West Football League’s Hayward Medal with Carey Park in 2023, polling a record-setting 42 votes. Sparks was not selected in the AFL draft earlier this month but nominating for the draft means he remains eligible to be signed by the Eagles using their vacant list spot as part of the league’s supplemental selection period. Sandy Brock — the nephew of motorsport great Peter who spent three seasons with Gold Coast without playing a senior game — and delisted defender Coby Burgiel, who was drafted by the Eagles in 2022 but has battled with injuries, are also training with the club as they push for the spot. Dunsborough’s Reuben Ginbey sent a scare through the club during training session when he limped from the track clutching his left ankle. The 20-year-old appeared to get his left leg caught in a bruising tackle and immediately hopped away in discomfort, heading straight for the bench with medical staff in tow. After receiving attention to his ankle, Ginbey got it strapped up and tested it out on the sidelines a short time later. He returned to take part in most of the drills and did not appear to be burdened by his ankle, running and kicking comfortably.