Several clubs are vying for a No. 1 pick against the West Coast Eagles in this year’s draft, hoping to add young Victorian Harley Reid to their rosters.
Reid is expected to be the first pick in November’s AFL draft, and West Coast is currently tipped to be the team he plays for, despite interest from a number of Victorian clubs ranked in the top 10.
Considered the top prospect for much of this year, Reid said he had been “rolled over” by reports suggesting West Coast would not select him and that he did not want to start his career in Western Australia.
“To all the people on the West Coast listening:
I don’t know how many times I’ve had to say this or how much clearer I can say it, but I’m happy to be joining the Eagles and I’m very grateful for “the position I’m in”, he told SEN WA.
Harley Reid kicks the ball during the 2023 U18 Boys’ Championships match between Vic Country and Vic Metro.
(Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL via Getty Images)“It all feels like a great opportunity and experience with what Perth has to offer.
”Reid confirmed he had not yet met with Eagles coach Adam Simpson, but said he spoke with West Coast officials at this month’s draft
The Bendigo Pioneers champion also laid claim to the Eagles’ number 9 shirt, most recently worn by Nic Naitanui and made famous by Brownlow Medal winner and former club captain, Ben Cousins.
“I would love to have the honor of wearing that number,” he said.
“It would be great and wearing it would mean the world to the two greats who wore this jersey.
”North Melbourne, which holds the No. 1 picks. 2 and no. 3 in the draft, is the team most likely to play for the No.
West Coast pick, with Melbourne also rumored to be interested after acquiring the No. 1 pick. 11 of the Gold Coast Suns is up for negotiation this week.
