2023 Hayward Medal winner Harley Sparks loving life at West Coast

He may be the second-most famous Harley at West Coast, but 2023 Hayward Medal winner Harley Sparks is loving life with the club. The prolific midfielder opted to re-ignite his WAFL career by joining the Eagles over the summer after a phenomenal season with Carey Park, smashing the award’s record vote tally with 42 as his side fell just short of a premiership. The 22-year-old said the privilege of pulling on the blue and gold was not lost on him. “It’s something that I definitely cherish,” he said, “It’s a strong club with a great history. “I try to enjoy most moments out there on the footy field and try to have a bit of fun.” Sparks is no stranger to the State league, having excelled in the colts competition with East Perth before playing 22 league games, and his re-introduction to the competition has been seamless, gathering 20 and 25 disposals in his first two games back. Having counted accomplished AFL players Andrew Gaff and Dom Sheed among his teammates, he said he was trying to learn as much as he could from the club’s senior group. “We’re still learning as a team, we’re quite young,” he said. “The energy of the group, even though we’ve lost the first few games, has been really good.” Sparks said returning to the WAFL had “definitely” been a step up from the SWFL. “Every week you’re coming up against guys who are very fit and training a lot,” he said. “You’ve just got to put the work in over the off-season to get as fit as possible so you’re ready for it.” The Eagles are sitting on the bottom of the WAFL ladder after losses to Swan Districts and South Fremantle. Bunbury product Harry Creasey — the team’s 2022 best and fairest winner — has also featured in their first two outings, while Augusta-Margaret River’s Oscar Armstrong is on their list.