Harley Reid has been the talk of the country.
And why wouldn't he be, as he has burst onto the AFL scene with a swagger not normally seen in a 19-year-old?
Taken with the illustrious and fated Pick 1 in the 2023 National Draft, Reid's career was set for a move from country Victoria to Perth as he joined West Coast.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
Gifted the famous No.9 that was worn by Eagles legends Ben Cousins and Nic Naitanui, the expectation of the powerful midfielder - who made a living out of fending off opponents in junior football and now the big time - was set at an all-time high.
However, speaking on Channel 7's Talking Footy, Reid opened up on the pressures and difficulty in dealing with such attention from the AFL world, which has seen 25 back pages on the local newspaper The West Australian and a cult following of the young phenomenon.
“It is obviously tough, it gets to you at stages,” Reid said.
“It is hard ... It is daunting at such a young age like me. I can't really do (anything) without someone (being) there or someone watching. I just try to let my footy do the talking.”
Originally hailing from Tongala (country Victoria), Reid will be watched closely by the 10 Victorian clubs as they propose a go-home factor, with Essendon reportedly tipped to make a play for him.
"I don't really feel like I've been homesick at all."
Harley Reid on life in Perth, and how the Eagles have set aside time for him to see family and friends. pic.twitter.com/G8dffqz7pd
— 7AFL (@7AFL) May 22, 2024
However, Reid put all Eagles fans' minds at ease, saying he's enjoying his time at the club.
“I don't really feel that I've been homesick at all,” Reid said.
“You're so busy over here and the club's been huge (in) that remark.
“I think for me it's been good to get away; you get into a new home, you learn new things. I haven't done life without my family, so it's good for a change.
“I wouldn't say I've felt homesick at all, I just felt like it was a great time of year to get back and see my family and friends.
“I don't really know Perth at all so I don't really know where to go, but the club's been huge, Simmo's given me little outlets to go and I try get away when I can, but you get pretty busy at times and you don't really know what to do with yourself.”
Despite only playing nine games, the Eagles are preparing to offer Reid a mother of all contracts, with a growing belief that he could be the first player to be paid $2 million a season beyond his current deal, locking him at the club until the end of 2026.
“It's a weird one, hey, I have only played nine games,” Reid said when asked about a contract extension.
“I am loving my footy over here at the moment. I haven't really thought too much about it.
“At this point in time I am just out there enjoying my footy. There have been some exciting games we have played this year and obviously we are hard to beat (at Perth Stadium).”
Reid has blown away the competition in his short career to date, putting his best assets on show for the league to see.
HARLEY REID, THAT IS SENSATIONAL 🤩#AFLEaglesDees pic.twitter.com/qCrS3mCEPY
— AFL (@AFL) May 19, 2024
The confident youngster is leading the AFL in broken tackles (29) this season while a trademark goal from the centre bounce against Melbourne had all fans on their feet.
Reid and the Eagles will turn their attention to their Round 11 matchup with Adelaide on Sunday.
