Former Brisbane Pick 1 Cam Rayner says he has spoken to West Coast wunderkind Harley Reid about the troubles of being the first player selected in an AFL draft.
Any Pick 1 enters the AFL system with a greater weight on their shoulders than their fellow draftees, but Reid's case reached unprecedented areas given his immediate stardom.
Throughout his draft year and maiden season in the league, the Eagles youngster has handled ongoing media attention and focus, appearing on the back page of the West Australian 91 times.
As a result of Reid's talents, multiple clubs, in particular in Victoria, have begun making plans to lure him back to his home state, despite being contracted until the end of 2026.
With talks of being the highest-paid player ever and constant scrutiny around his form, it's understandable that Reid lashes out from time to time.
His form, in comparison to his first season in the AFL, has dipped slightly, while an obscene gesture toward a Lions fan earlier in the year resulted in a fine.
Rayner, who was the 2017 Pick 1, has shared similar experiences, albeit by his own admission, not to the level of Reid.
"I've spoken to Harley a little bit," Rayner said.
"He's a real cool customer. So, I think he handles it pretty well. But, it is what it is."
Rayner revealed that the pair have spoken from time to time about the stresses and expectations of being the Pick 1, whilst also finding their feet as professional athletes.
"Looking back on it, at the time, it's such a big thing while you're in it with the first couple of years, trying to understand what's going on.
"But, in time, it gets easier, and you work through it. I feel like he's got a good grasp of what he needs to do, what he needs to work on to get back to his best.
"But at the same time, he's a 19-year-old kid, and I think he'll be fine.
"My one piece of advice would be to not put too much pressure on himself. You get it from everybody else, so the last person you need it from is yourself."
Both Rayner and Reid entered their respective clubs with the tag of being the saviour.
The Lions finished last to secure Rayner in 2017, and won the same amount of games the following year, but improved their placing to 15th.
From then, Brisbane's spike has yielded six finals series in a row (and a likely seventh in 2025), including the 2024 premiership triumph.
Reid headed west in arguably West Coast's tumultuous time in their history, dealing with the after-effects of COVID-19 and the retirement of key players.
The Eagles have placed bottom three in the past three seasons, with 2025 expected to warrant another Pick 1 selection.
