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Reuben Ginbey to Avoid Surgery but Return Date Remains Unclear

The Eagles have started his rehab while confronting a stretched defence and uncertain timelines for other key backs, which could alter selection and season planning.

Overview

  • Ginbey tore a left quad while chasing Mitch Georgiades in West Coast’s round-13 loss at Optus Stadium on Saturday and limped from the field.
  • Scans and a specialist consultation on Sunday and Monday confirmed the injury is a high-grade quad tear and that surgery is not required at this stage.
  • The club has listed Ginbey’s return as 'TBC' and he has begun reconditioning work with the high-performance unit, with a clearer timeline to be set as recovery progresses.
  • Coach Andrew McQualter has identified internal and WAFL options — including Tylar Young, Rhett Bazzo, Sandy Brock and recruit Brandon Starcevich — to cover the key defensive role while Harry Edwards also remains without a return date due to concussion.
  • Ginbey’s injury is a blow to the team beyond one match because he had just signed a three-year extension, joined the leadership group and had been playing All-Australian form, which raises questions about the Eagles’ defensive structure and player load management for the rest of the season.