
We've got your back: Eagles vow to protect Harley Reid
Reid produced his best display of the season in last week's 26-point loss to Port Adelaide, tallying a team-high 27 disposals and six clearances to go with a goal.
But the performance didn't come without controversy, with Reid fined $6250 for a kick-trip on Travis Boak that Essendon legend James Hird said deserved to be a three or four-week suspension.
Reid's heated battle with Port star Jason Horne-Francis was also a big talking point.
The young Eagle reportedly sledged the Port star with words to the effect of "go back to mummy, you left after one year", in reference to Horne-Francis lasting just one season at North Melbourne before seeking a trade back to his home state of South Australia.
It came a week after Reid was physically targeted by GWS players during his heated battle with star Giants midfielder Tom Green.
Young Eagles midfielder Clay Hall said he and his teammates would have Reid's back in Saturday's clash with Richmond.
"That's something I'd love to do for someone who is a fellow draftee of mine," Hall said.
"We're the same age, and to watch how much he cops it on the field and then off the field as well in terms of media, it's a little bit unfair at times.
"So we'll support him as much as we can. He's one of my best mates around the club."
Reid has given away a whopping 52 free kicks across 17 games this season, and he has now been fined 13 times so far in his 37-game career, as well as copping a two-week ban for a dangerous tackle last year.
West Coast coach Andrew McQualter is doing his best to encourage Reid to maintain his intense competitiveness while playing within the rules.
"Me and his coaches and his teammates, we all talk to him and we're all working really hard behind closed doors," McQualter said.
"We're not playing everything out publicly with Harley.
"I know there have been some things that have been a bit of a distraction and take away a little bit from his game, and we acknowledge that, and he acknowledged that last week.
"But he's actually playing some pretty strong football at the moment."
If West Coast (1-16) are any hope to avoid the wooden spoon, they simply must defeat 17th-placed Richmond (4-13).
The Eagles have recalled midfielder Tim Kelly following his one-week stint in the WAFL, while Liam Ryan and Jack Petruccelle are the other inclusions, with Elijah Hewett rested.
Richmond beware - West Coast players will have Harley Reid's back if the Tigers attempt to go after the young Eagles star in Saturday night's cellar-dweller clash at Optus Stadium.
Reid produced his best display of the season in last week's 26-point loss to Port Adelaide, tallying a team-high 27 disposals and six clearances to go with a goal.
But the performance didn't come without controversy, with Reid fined $6250 for a kick-trip on Travis Boak that Essendon legend James Hird said deserved to be a three or four-week suspension.
Reid's heated battle with Port star Jason Horne-Francis was also a big talking point.
The young Eagle reportedly sledged the Port star with words to the effect of "go back to mummy, you left after one year", in reference to Horne-Francis lasting just one season at North Melbourne before seeking a trade back to his home state of South Australia.
It came a week after Reid was physically targeted by GWS players during his heated battle with star Giants midfielder Tom Green.
Young Eagles midfielder Clay Hall said he and his teammates would have Reid's back in Saturday's clash with Richmond.
"That's something I'd love to do for someone who is a fellow draftee of mine," Hall said.
"We're the same age, and to watch how much he cops it on the field and then off the field as well in terms of media, it's a little bit unfair at times.
"So we'll support him as much as we can. He's one of my best mates around the club."
Reid has given away a whopping 52 free kicks across 17 games this season, and he has now been fined 13 times so far in his 37-game career, as well as copping a two-week ban for a dangerous tackle last year.
West Coast coach Andrew McQualter is doing his best to encourage Reid to maintain his intense competitiveness while playing within the rules.
"Me and his coaches and his teammates, we all talk to him and we're all working really hard behind closed doors," McQualter said.
"We're not playing everything out publicly with Harley.
"I know there have been some things that have been a bit of a distraction and take away a little bit from his game, and we acknowledge that, and he acknowledged that last week.
"But he's actually playing some pretty strong football at the moment."
If West Coast (1-16) are any hope to avoid the wooden spoon, they simply must defeat 17th-placed Richmond (4-13).
The Eagles have recalled midfielder Tim Kelly following his one-week stint in the WAFL, while Liam Ryan and Jack Petruccelle are the other inclusions, with Elijah Hewett rested.
Richmond beware - West Coast players will have Harley Reid's back if the Tigers attempt to go after the young Eagles star in Saturday night's cellar-dweller clash at Optus Stadium.
Reid produced his best display of the season in last week's 26-point loss to Port Adelaide, tallying a team-high 27 disposals and six clearances to go with a goal.
But the performance didn't come without controversy, with Reid fined $6250 for a kick-trip on Travis Boak that Essendon legend James Hird said deserved to be a three or four-week suspension.
Reid's heated battle with Port star Jason Horne-Francis was also a big talking point.
The young Eagle reportedly sledged the Port star with words to the effect of "go back to mummy, you left after one year", in reference to Horne-Francis lasting just one season at North Melbourne before seeking a trade back to his home state of South Australia.
It came a week after Reid was physically targeted by GWS players during his heated battle with star Giants midfielder Tom Green.
Young Eagles midfielder Clay Hall said he and his teammates would have Reid's back in Saturday's clash with Richmond.
"That's something I'd love to do for someone who is a fellow draftee of mine," Hall said.
"We're the same age, and to watch how much he cops it on the field and then off the field as well in terms of media, it's a little bit unfair at times.
"So we'll support him as much as we can. He's one of my best mates around the club."
Reid has given away a whopping 52 free kicks across 17 games this season, and he has now been fined 13 times so far in his 37-game career, as well as copping a two-week ban for a dangerous tackle last year.
West Coast coach Andrew McQualter is doing his best to encourage Reid to maintain his intense competitiveness while playing within the rules.
"Me and his coaches and his teammates, we all talk to him and we're all working really hard behind closed doors," McQualter said.
"We're not playing everything out publicly with Harley.
"I know there have been some things that have been a bit of a distraction and take away a little bit from his game, and we acknowledge that, and he acknowledged that last week.
"But he's actually playing some pretty strong football at the moment."
If West Coast (1-16) are any hope to avoid the wooden spoon, they simply must defeat 17th-placed Richmond (4-13).
The Eagles have recalled midfielder Tim Kelly following his one-week stint in the WAFL, while Liam Ryan and Jack Petruccelle are the other inclusions, with Elijah Hewett rested.

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West Australian
11 hours ago
- West Australian
Ryan Daniels: Inside Harley Reid's contract talks and the multi-million dollar offers on the table
It wasn't quite high-powered Wall Street execs in Armani suits, marching in to close a billion-dollar deal — but the stakes, in a footy sense, were just as high. Harley's Melbourne-based manager Nick Geischen rolled into town, and while he didn't utter the words 'Show Me the Money', he didn't need to. The phrase was emanating from his $24 million smile. It's been a hectic week in Harley-world, with a somewhat surprising shift in the situation. Earlier this year, the Eagles put forward multiple contract options to Harley's team. Three, five, seven-year deals — a pick-your-own-adventure approach. Nothing came of it. which had people thinking — he's gone. Even before the Eagles drafted him, there was talk Harley would bail. That the Eagles would be better off trading the pick. Victorian journalist Sam McLure now famously declared 'they won't pick him, Mitch (Cleary)' — suggesting West Coast would be better off passing on one of the most prodigious talents the draft has seen in years — just to avoid the inevitable messy exit. It's always been perceived as a matter of when Harley will leave, not if . Then, the twist. Geischen had come bearing gifts — a proposal for West Coast. An 11-year deal. $2.2 million per year, on average. $24 million all up. The largest deal in AFL history. More money per year than Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins. Unprecedented numbers across the board. While it sounds like monopoly money, in 11 years, $2.2 million won't be as crazy as it sounds right now. By then, Harley will be 32 and potentially edging out of his prime — but with the growth of the AFL's salary cap, he might end up a bargain at some stage. Remember, back in 1994 Alastair Lynch signed a ten-year deal for $1 million — at $100,000 per season, people lost their minds at the money. By the time Lynch retired, he was woefully underpaid. As part of this proposed deal, Harley would have the option to leave after two years. If not, he'd be here until the end of 2037. Let that sink in. In 2037 we might actually have flying cars and robot slaves. Or we'll be slaves to the robots. I'll be 54 years old. Bring me a pair of warm slippers, a glass of prune juice, and cap it off with a few episodes of Murder She Wrote. Maybe my idea of what it's like to be 54 is a little dated — but you get the point — 2037 is an eternity away. Harley's people bringing this to the table signals his intention to stay — if terms can be agreed. So, what's changed? Nothing, really. All along we've heard Harley, the Eagles, even his management declare the young midfielder was taking his time, happy in Perth. In recent weeks Reid's form has elevated, he's exhibiting an edge, leadership around the club. He's forming strong bonds with teammates. My understanding is he's told Andrew McQualter he wants to stay. At 20, he's living on his own, cooking, cleaning, he's got a dog. He's handling the media/fan pressure superbly. Some 20-year-olds can barely remember to flush the toilet. This kid is settled. Credit to the Eagles for an environment where a country kid from the other side of Australia feels comfortable, happy. Saying that, nothing is guaranteed here. The new proposal isn't quite a gun to the head, an ultimatum — but it's not miles off it. This is how keeping Harley Reid looks. If that's too rich, there will be other suitors. It's a fairly simple situation — other than the overwhelming commitment. That's the holdup, if there is one. No one saw this coming. Not even the Eagles. The deal, or at least the sheer enormity of it, has blindsided West Coast. They've taken a pause. In the month following the contract proposal landing in their inbox, there's been no response. Some meals take a lot longer to digest, and this is like going to a steak joint and being served an entire cow. Don't panic Eagles fans, they know what they have in Harley. They love him. If they believe they've found the sun which all other planets can rotate around, that he could be their Dustin Martin, their Patrick Dangerfield, then they need to do it. Maybe it's a slight variation of this proposed deal, a happy compromise, but they can't get too cute here. Harley could be the AFL's best player within a few years. Yes, a deal that long, with that kind of financial commitment comes with risk. In my opinion, it's a risk worth taking. This kid is special. He wants to be here and he's box office. After a disastrous four years at the West Coast Eagles, the signature of Harley Reid would be a significant victory and a sign that things might finally be turning around. Years of endless chat about a move back to Victoria for Harley, now the Eagles have a chance to keep their man. They just need to sign on the dotted line.


West Australian
12 hours ago
- West Australian
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell admits West Coast Eagle Harley Reid could blow Hawks' budget
Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell admits the club may not be able to afford to poach in-demand star Harley Reid amid reports he could fetch up to $2 million per season at West Coast. Mitchell revealed he posed the question to his list management team, asking if they were indeed 'obsessed' with the 20-year-old. Reports published this week suggest Hawthorn are desperate to add the former No.1 draft pick to their young midfield group, but with record-breaking deals being discussed, Mitchell said it could be beyond the brown and gold's pockets. 'If I'm really honest, I actually don't know (if we could afford him),' he told SEN on Friday. 'I don't have anything to do with the financial stuff. It doesn't seem right for us. At some point, that's going to happen, isn't it? Whether it's in this CBA or the next one, the money in the game continues to go up. 'The average salary continues to be higher and higher and higher and as they should be. Everyone wants to play the game, and the spectacle of what we're putting on at the moment is pretty good. I think the players deserve what they're getting, it's just how you attribute that. 'With our midfield as an example, being pretty workmanlike and making sure that we're consistent across the board. If you're putting $2 million into one player, that makes it a little bit more difficult, of course.' Mitchell has shown few reservations about going after West Coast players so far in 2025, having jetted into Perth for a secret meeting with Eagles co-captain Oscar Allan that was later exposed and saw the forward apologise. The Hawthorn coach was also photographed laughing and joking with Reid at former Eagle Tom Barrass' wedding, adding fuel to the fire. But Mitchell said after he heard the word 'obsessed' linking Reid and Hawthorn, he felt the need to chat to his list management team. 'I saw the word obsessed and I went in the next day and I said to a couple of list guys, 'are we obsessed with Harley Reid'? Then I saw some of the numbers that were getting thrown up, and I said, 'what is happening here'? And they're like 'just don't even read the papers',' Mitchell said. 'He's obviously a good player, but he's contracted to West Coast and he's having a pretty good year.' Reid is contracted on his draft deal until the end of 2026, meaning any new contracts wouldn't kick in until the 2027 campaign.

Daily Telegraph
12 hours ago
- Daily Telegraph
Hawks respond to Harley Reid rumour as fresh details emerge
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell has provided some insight on whether the Hawks really are 'obsessed' with Harley Reid. Reports earlier this week stated the Hawks were 'obsessed' with Reid and now the Hawks coach has had his say. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. 'I saw the word obsessed and I went in the next day and I said to a couple of list guys, 'Are we obsessed with Harley Reid?' and then I saw some of the numbers that were getting thrown up and I said 'What is happening here?' And they're like 'just don't even read the papers',' Mitchell said on SEN's Fireball this morning. 'He's obviously a good player but he's contracted to West Coast and he's having a pretty good year. A bit like 'Daysy' getting sat on in his first game back, it's a bit like, 'oh', I mean this 20-year-old is getting sat on most weeks now. He's a good player.' Harley Reid's future remains up in the air. (Photo by) Earlier this week, AFL Media's Cal Twomey reported that the Eagles have put what would be 'the biggest deal in AFL history' to the star youngster, keeping him at West Coast through to the end of 2037 with its value totalling over $20 million. Channel 7's Ryan Daniels said the deal was far more eye-watering with Reid potentially set to pocket $2.2m per season for 11 years. 'The proposed deal would be for two years initially, with an option for Harley to extend that to 11 years, until the end of 2037, and be worth around $2.2 million per season. The total number would likely be north of $24 million,' Daniels said. Reid's manager, Nick Gieschen, has recently arrived in WA and attempted to downplay the reported offer. 'I don't think anyone is ready to be the highest-paid player in the comp,' Gieschen said. 'But nah, we're working through it. Nothing's finalised. We're in negotiations but we'll take every day as it comes. 'Harley is enjoying his time here and like I said before, we're talking about what the future looks like. We're having discussions with West Coast and we'll go from there. 'Nothing in concrete, we're just talking at the moment and we'll see where we get to.' With easily the biggest deal ever seen in AFL history reportedly on the table, it's tough bidding for any Victorian clubs to swoop in and lure him away. 'If I'm really honest I actually don't know. I don't have anything to do with the financial stuff. It doesn't seem right for us. At some point that's going to happen isn't it? Whether it's in this CBA or the next one, but the money in the game continues to go up,' Mitchell said. Harley Reid could be set to sign the biggest contract in AFL history. (Photo by) 'The average salary continues to be higher and higher and higher and as they should be. Everyone wants to play the game and the spectacle of what we're putting on at the moment is pretty good. I think the players deserve what they're getting, it's just how you attribute that. 'With our midfield as an example, being pretty workman-like and making sure that we're consistent across the board. If you're putting $2 million into one player, that makes it a little bit more difficult of course.' As rumours surrounding Reid's future continue to swirl, Eagles skipper Liam Duggan believes the young star will stick with the club. 'I'm really eager for Harley to sign. I mean, he's going to be paid very well regardless of where it is, and he's going to get a long-term deal regardless of where it is,' he said on Triple M. 'But all I can speak of at the moment is that his investment in what we're going after at the moment is second to none. 'He has been so dialled into what we're going after as a footy club at the moment, he's been very vocal in that amongst the group, the way he's playing, you can see that in the way that he's playing, and I think our supporters would be able to see that in the way that he's going about his footy right now.' Originally published as Hawks respond to Harley Reid rumour as fresh details emerge