Caroline Wilson says 2023 No.1 draft pick Harley Reid is “no comparison” to former Geelong skipper and four-time premiership star Joel Selwood at the same age.
Selwood was drafted to the Cats with pick seven in the 2006 draft, going on to play a key role in his debut season in 2007, winning the rising star award and collecting his first of four premiership medals.
Reid was arguably the most highly-touted draftee in the modern era, drafted to a floundering Eagles side who finished their 2023 season with the wooden spoon in hand.
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The Eagles young gun has featured in all six of their matches so far in 2024, with his performance against rivals Fremantle in round six a standout.
He booted three goals and collected 18 disposals in their shock 37-point win in the western derby.
The 19-year-old has also already been nominated for the AFL rising star award, for his round five performance that saw him notch up 27 disposals and a goal in their 39-point win over Richmond.
Despite his impressive start to what will likely be a successful and award-filled career, Wilson is yet to be convinced Reid is more influential than Selwood was at the same stage of his career.
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“First six games, no comparison,” Wilson said on Nine’s Footy Classified on Monday night.
“Joel Selwood was brave and a leader and a brilliant player.
“I haven’t seen anyone single handedly behave the way he (Selwood) does.”
But Wilson admits she hasn’t written Reid off just yet.
“I’m talking up to round six. Ask me again at the end of the year,” she said.
On the other hand, Matthew Lloyd believes Reid’s impact has been immeasurable.
“Nobody at North (Melbourne) has a capacity to step in and change the fortune of your team. He’s done that (at West Coast),” Lloyd said.
After his stellar start to the year, questions have already begun swirling about when the Eagles will attempt to extend his contract.
Under the draft rule, Reid can now be signed on for another year.
Lloyd has urged Reid, who is currently signed for three seasons, to hold off talks to increase his worth in the game.
“In three years’ time, you’d think Harley Reid is a million-dollar player,” Lloyd said.
The Eagles are 2-4 after six rounds, looking ahead to their clash with the Gold Coast Suns on Sunday.