Yeo (27 disposals, two goals) was back to his All-Australian best and Jake Waterman kicked a career-high six majors as the hosts delivered their strongest first half since 2021 on the way to a 16.13 (109) to 10.10 (70) victory at Optus Stadium.

The Eagles looked potentially in for another grim afternoon when they conceded the first four goals, but they dominated thereafter to claim just their sixth win in 54 games.

No.1 draft pick Reid gathered 27 disposals – including 13 touches and four clearances in the third term alone – and had the 47,665-strong crowd swooning with repeated bursts out of traffic and a superb roving goal.

The powerful 18-year-old is shaping as a generational talent and will give the Eagles faithful hope of fast-tracking what has been a painful rebuild.

“Harley had a good day. Hopefully he gets that Rising Star nomination,” Eagles coach Adam Simpson said.

Already without Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper, Dion Prestia, Noah Balta, Dylan Grimes and Tom Lynch, the Tigers suffered another injury blow when Jayden Short was substituted in the second quarter with a calf concern.

Adem Yze’s side had started brightly with hometown star Shai Bolton capitalising on excellent team pressure and spread to snare two first-quarter majors.

But Yeo and Tim Kelly (29 disposals) lifted their intensity in the middle and the Eagles began to dominate the stoppages.

The hosts led by 19 points at the main break and their score of 11.2 (68) was their best for an opening half since round 7, 2021.

Bolton and Liam Baker (25 disposals) fought hard for the Tigers, but veteran Dustin Martin had little influence playing mostly forward.