Harley Reid warming to Perth amid homesickness murmurs
West Coast young gun Harley Reid says he's warming to Perth amid speculation the 2023 No.1 draft pick could move back to Victoria as soon as this year.
Reid is one of the hottest commodities in the competition, many predicting he will be the AFL's first $2 million man after a sensational debut season, and has become the face of the rebuilding Eagles.
The 20-year-old suffered from second-year blues after an interrupted pre-season but has shown a steady increase in form across May.
It is believed a number of Victorian clubs are waiting for word from Reid or his management on whether the rising star wants to leave Western Australia and return to his home state.
However, speaking on the Eagles' Coast-to-Coast podcast, Reid said he has been 'loving' Perth in his second season.
'I've been loving Perth, actually,' he said.
'This year has been great. I'm in a house now on my own with my puppy and just loving it over here.
'I'm pretty central to everything, which is pretty good, a couple of cafes within walking distance.
'I'm coming into training each day and trying to get better. Trying to get the club back to where it should be.'
Reid's rookie contract ties him to West Coast until the end of 2026, but he could seek a trade.
In another positive sign for fans, Reid said he was excited at the prospect of potentially playing alongside Willem Duursma next season - the younger brother of Xavier, Zane and Yasmin, who is dating Reid.
Duursma is projected to be the No.1 pick in the 2025 national draft, and with the Eagles sitting on just one win from 11 matches, they are the most likely club to have the first selection in their hands come November.
'It would be nice. It would be very nice (to play with Willem),' Reid said.
'I haven't seen a lot of him, but from what I've seen, he's pretty good. And he's tall.
'I reckon he's the best (of the Duursma brothers). That would be pretty cool if he goes pick one.'
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