For the past 18 months, teenage sensation Harley Reid has been at the forefront of many footy discussions.
Recognised as the best young talent in the country, confirmed with his No.1 selection in the 2023 AFL national draft, Reid has had all eyes on him since officially becoming a West Coast Eagle and making the move to Perth.
Reid spoke to the media in Melbourne on Thursday at the AFL Player’s Association Induction Camp and said he has enjoyed his time at the club so far and is adjusting well to life in WA.
“It was a whirlwind when I first got there, I’d see my face wherever I was, just going to get a coffee or whatever,” Reid said.
“I’ve loved my time there so far, it’s so exciting, we’re one of the youngest groups in the AFL, if not the youngest.
“We’re in a good phase, we’re building, we’re restructuring everything and I’m keen to be part of the journey that lies ahead in the west.”
Showing off his impressive skills in a variety of roles during pre-season match simulation drills, Reid said he and coach Adam Simpson are yet to decide where he will play when the season comes around.
“I’ve played a bit of everywhere so far,” Reid said.
“I’m contemplating where I’m going to play so I actually don’t know, still a lot of uncertainty with that.
“Simmo’s good, he just let’s me be me and go out there and play my natural game, but it will come later down the track where he thinks I’ll best suit and play my best footy within the group.
“Wherever they put me I’m happy to play, I started half-back swapping mid, and then next match sim I went mid swapping forward, so I couldn’t tell you where (I’ll play) at this time but I’m excited for what lies ahead.”
Having already shown signs that he is up to the task of competing at the elite level in his first year, Reid said he will continue to develop both on and off the field and will be hopeful to suit up in the blue and gold for round one.
“Round one is something I’d love to be a part of,” Reid said.
“At this time, I’m just keen to keep going, keep getting the structures right and getting into that professionalism that I feel like I need to get better at before coming into it.
“It’s good with all the resources that are available for me to be the best that I can be.”
In the short-term, Reid’s goals are just to immerse himself within the group and continue to build with his young teammates.
“I haven’t looked too far ahead,” Reid said.
“It’s more the short-term goals for me, to earn that respect within the group, to be a part of this build.
“We’re in an exciting time with the young list that we’ve got, to be a part of that, and to just make myself a better player and person as I go along for the ride.”
Reid has taken no time forming friendships within the group, naming two teammates in particular who have helped him with his transition to AFL life so far.
“Oscar Allen, I was lucky enough to live with him for a bit and we kind of created a relationship from the get-go, he’s a great man, I’d love to be in a game with him,” he said.
“Campbell Chesser, he’s been huge for me to be honest, he’s come from a country town too so I feel like he’s been someone I can lean back into.
“Me and him get along pretty well so I feel like he’s really helped me mentally and physically too.”
