Reuben Ginbey


Reuben Ginbey is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League.
Ginbey was recruited from East Perth with pick 9 in the 2022 National Draft. He made his AFL debut in round 1 of the 2023 AFL season. He earned a Rising Star nomination in round 3 of that season.

Early career

Originally from Dunsborough, Western Australia, Ginbey started his football career at the local Dunsborough Football Club. Initially having a smaller build, he developed into a handy player. He later had a growth spurt as his body matured and went from a winger to a key position player. He was invited to the East Perth Colts program and his coaches put his name forward for the state under 18 team. Ginbey made his WAFL senior debut in 2022, while still playing in the Public Schools Association competition with Wesley College.

AFL career

2023: Debut season

Ginbey was selected with pick 9 in the 2022 national draft by the West Coast Eagles. He made his debut in round 1 of the 2023 AFL season during the Eagles narrow 5-point loss to at Marvel Stadium, collecting 15 disposals and a game-high 12 tackles. He earned a AFL Rising Star nomination two weeks later in the round 3 Western Derby, collecting 20 disposals, eight tackles, six clearances and 13 contested possessions.
Unfortunately, Ginbey suffered a hamstring injury in round 18, and as a result he missed the rest of the season. He finished his debut season having played 17 games. In December 2023, he took part in the West Coast Eagles community camp, which included a trip to his former primary school in Dunsborough. His impressive debut season was acknowledged when he received the West Coast Eagles' Emerging Talent award for 2023. He signed on for another three years at the end of the season, to remain at the Eagles until 2027.

2024-2025: Move to defence

Although traditionally a midfielder, Ginbey transitioned into a half-back role late in the 2024 AFL season, under caretaker coach Jarrad Schofield's advice.
Ginbey's first season as a full-time defender saw him play every game and finish runner-up in West Coast's best and fairest award, the John Worsfold Medal. He also won the Eagles Best Defensive Player award.

Statistics

Statistics are correct to the end of 2025.
! scope="row" style="text-align:center" | 2024
! colspan=3| Career
! 63 !! 2 !! 5 !! 458 !! 443 !! 901 !! 167 !! 244 !! 0.0 !! 0.1 !! 7.3 !! 7.0 !! 14.3 !! 2.7 !! 3.9

Honours and achievements

AFL