Exciting young Eagle Harley Reid had his impressive performance against Richmond recognised this week when he was named the round five Rising Star nominee.
Reid has shown an immense amount of potential in his first five AFL games, and he said he aims to continue playing consistently good football.
“It’s humbling, and I’m thankful to get a bit back for the hard work I’ve been putting in,” Reid said.
“It’s just another step for me to keep reaching towards my goal of putting my right foot forward and to keep taking this club to the next level and play some good footy, so hopefully I can play with some consistency.”
West Coast secured the four points on Sunday in an inspiring victory over Richmond at Optus Stadium, and Reid said the team was pleased to be able to capitalise on the team’s momentum.
“We’ve been building towards that since we started this year, and I think we found the momentum against Syndey and then were able to capitalise against Richmond on the weekend,” Reid said.
“We played a good brand of footy for four quarters and we could stay in it for a long period of time.
“The momentum and the support we have, it’s a home game (this weekend) too, so I think we will be able to follow on with the way we played on the weekend.”
After falling short in a spirited effort against the Swans in round four, Reid said the team showed determination to ensure they played out the full four quarters against Richmond.
“On the weekend was a great example, the first half of the first quarter was a bit ‘how ya going’ with the way we started, and I think we knew as a whole, that’s not the way we want to play,” Reid said.
“The way we turned it around in that first quarter kind of showed that we’re actually here to play and there’s so much excitement within the group.
“And then the way we went on and sustained that high intensity footy was pretty cool to be a part of, and I can get used to winning, it was a pretty cool and a surreal moment out there.”
As Reid continues to work on his AFL level game fitness, he said he’s thankful to coach Adam Simpson for allowing him to play to his strengths.
“That’s a huge one for me, I think on the weekend I just felt that I just had a lot more in the tank to give,” Reid said.
“Leading into that first three weeks, I think I was still just trying to find my feet, obviously it’s so much different to what I’m used to with the game fitness, and the game times I’ve played has differed across the first five weeks.
“I think in the Sydney game I was able to start to express myself and play with a bit of confidence, and then leading into the Richmond game I felt that I could express myself a lot more.
“The licence ‘Simmo’ (Adam Simpson) and the boys give me to go out there and be myself and play to my strengths, it’s a pretty cool licence to have at 18 years old, so I’m pretty happy.”
Former Eagles captain-turned assistant coach Luke Shuey has taken Reid under his wing since his arrival, providing valuable mentorship and leadership to the developing 18-year-old.
“Shuey’s been awesome for me, on and off the field,” Reid said.
“With things towards footy, and also things away from footy, and he’s just such a down to earth bloke, and he loves a laugh.
“On the footy field, he’s always there at quarter time and half time, hugging me and giving me a bit of motivation and telling me to go out there and just be myself.
“I couldn’t thank him enough, he’s always putting a smile on my face, sending videos of his kids running around the backyard stiff arm and stuff which is pretty funny.
“He’s a good man and I couldn’t thank him enough for what he’s done for me so far.”
This Saturday, the Eagles face Fremantle in the 58th RAC Derby at Optus Stadium, and Reid said, after admiring Nat Fyfe growing up, he’s looking forward to the matchup.
“It’s pretty cool to have a run alongside him (Fyfe), and I did that in the first practice match I got to play,” Reid said.
“They (Fremantle) are obviously in good form and were a bit stiff the last couple of weeks.
“But after the momentum build we had on the weekend, I reckon it’s going to be a good game.”
