West Coast rising star Reuben Ginbey has limped from the field with a quad injury during Saturday night’s thrillng loss to Port Adelaide.
Ginbey, who had been one of the Eagles’ best in the first half, went down in a heap when he desperately tried to chase down Mitch Georgiades, who was running into an open goal.
The 21-year-old got to his feet and was able to hobble off the field, but looked in serious discomfort.
The fan favourite received a standing ovation from the Eagles’ faithful.
“We hear the round of applause and rightfully so. He has been outstanding tonight,” Tom Hawkins said on commentary.
Ginbey eventually returned to the bench with his jacket on and his left quad heavily strapped.
The emerging star would be right up there in the Eagles’ best and fairest after a bright start to the year.
Just last week, he was talked up as an All-Australian candidate after a brilliant job on Essendon’s Nate Caddy.
“If you just look at his contest work, he has to be (in the team),” McQualter said after last week’s win over the Bombers.
“There’s some good players, but I just think Reuben absolutely is one of the best key defenders in the game.
“I think he’s doing a great job and I love him in our team.”
Despite the injury, the Eagles nearly produced a miraculous comeback to steal a memorable victory, only to fall six points short.
The Power looked on track for victory when they led by 22 points late in the third quarter.
But West Coast kicked a goal just before the final break before carrying that momentum into the last quarter.
The hosts dominated the final quarter, but could only manage a wasteful 2.6 as the Power held on in a thriller.
— More to come
