Former West Coast coach Adam Simpson reveals AFL stars contacted Eagles wanting to play with Harley Reid

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Former West Coast coach Adam Simpson reveals AFL stars contacted Eagles wanting to play with Harley Reid

Former West Coast coach Adam Simpson has revealed several ‘A-grade’ AFL stars reached out to the Eagles in the first half of 2024 to express heavy interest in playing alongside young phenom Harley Reid.

Reid was taken with the first pick of the 2023 national draft and wore the label of being a “generational talent” in a rebuilding team with distinction across his rookie campaign.

The 19-year-old brought new energy to the struggling club, quickly capturing the hearts of the fan base and the competition at large, named the most outstanding first-year player in 2024.

He also loomed as the likely Rising Star award winner had it not been for a costly suspension for a dump tackle.

Reid Mania reached fever pitch amid sensational victories over Richmond and Fremantle in rounds five and six before another win over Melbourne in round 10, with Simpson revealing even opposition players were swept up.

“He’s just a hunter and he drags people, teammates, with him,” the premiership-winning coach told SEN.

“The fans and all of that sort of stuff and the No.9 and the euphoria around that is one thing, but the way he plays is infectious, and you want to play with him.

“We had several players, top A-grade talent, ringing us up until about round 10 when we beat Melbourne… and the conversation was ‘I want to play with Harley’.

“Conversations like that were happening.”

Simpson, who mutually parted ways with the Eagles after the side’s form pitched off a cliff post beating the Demons, declined to name names.

The Eagles are still in the early stages of the most extensive rebuild in club history, with their five wins in 2024 the most in a season since 2021.

And drawing top talent to the club has appeared a daunting task from the outside, given the side’s struggles.

Reid has already been identified as one of the keys to the fallen giants reclaiming their post at the top of the AFL food chain, but the Eagles will eagerly look to take advantage of any player-drawing power the 19-year-old possesses.

However, many pundits, particularly from the East Coast, expect the youngster will want to head back to Victoria when his rookie contract expires.

Simpson refuted the claims.

“He just wants to play footy and play with his mates and play to win, so that should never leave him,” he said.

Camera IconTanner Bruhn of the Cats is tackled by Harley Reid. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

“That should be his No.1 reason to play, and around will he stay? I think he’s loyal.

“Now, that’s not putting any pressure on the **** because he’s going to get a lot of opportunity, but I think he’s pretty loyal.”

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