South West AFL Wrap: Dunsborough’s Reuben Ginbey debuts, Harvey’s Brady Hough extends deal

The West Coast Eagles might have just missed out on starting their AFL season with a win but Dunsborough’s Reuben Ginbey has placed the competition on notice after putting on an impressive display of defensive pressure on debut.

The 18-year-old made his AFL debut during the opening round of the 2023 AFL season, running out for the West Coast Eagles in their 12.15 (87) to 12.10 (82) loss to North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Saturday.

While he missed out on kicking his first goal during his debut appearance, Ginbey set up his team’s first goal with a driving kick inside 50.

Despite slowing down after that, Ginbey applied outstanding defensive pressure with a game-high 12 tackles to go with his 33 pressure acts.

Ginbey also managed 15 disposals, four marks, three score involvements, three clearances, three inside 50s and kicked a minor score.

Despite missing out on being selected to travel to Melbourne, Harvey’s Brady Hough recently signed on to stay at the Eagles’ nest for another two years, extending his contract to 2025.

Hough played 15 games last year at senior level and was named the Club’s Emerging Talent at West Coast’s Champion Awards.

“I’m so happy to re-sign with the club until the end of 2025,” Hough said.

“It has been an unreal start to my career and I don’t think I’m anywhere near my best because I have so much development ahead of me.

“There’s some good young leaders too, so I can’t wait to see what the future holds for West Coast.”

Elsewhere, former Manjimup Tiger Marlion Pickett made his AFL return in Richmond’s 8.10 (58)-all draw with Carlton on Thursday after previously missing the club’s two practice matches with an adductor injury.

Pickett managed 10 disposals, two marks, two tackles, six intercept possessions, a score involvement, nine pressure acts and two inside 50s before he was subbed off for Jack Ross during the third quarter.

Busselton’s James Tunstill looked to prove himself in his return to the senior side during Brisbane’s 18.18 (126) to 11.6 (72) loss to Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

However, Tunstill was relatively quiet during the match, managing seven disposals, a mark, three intercept possessions, two score involvements, eight pressure acts, a clearance and two inside 50s before he was subbed off for Jaxon Prior during the final quarter.

Former HBL Lion Ethan Hughes put in a solid effort for Fremantle in the Dockers’ 10.7 (67) to 7.10 (52) loss to St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.

Hughes finished with 16 disposals, five marks, a tackle, four intercept possessions, two score involvements, 11 pressure acts, two clearances and six inside 50s.