A plethora of Victorian clubs could be willing to offer West Coast young star Harley Reid up to $18 million over 10 years to lure the 19-year-old home.
Reid, who is originally from Tongala, a country town near Bendigo in Victoria, was selected by the Eagles with the top pick in the 2023 AFL draft, then shipped off to live away from home for the first time at just 18.
The midfielder has taken it all in his stride, although he did admit that his recent 19th birthday was the “worst ever”, due to being so far away from his family back in Victoria.
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With a rising star nomination already under his belt, despite now being ineligible due to copping a two-week suspension for a dangerous sling tackle against St Kilda’s Darcy Wilson, Reid has quickly become the talk of the town – Melbourne, to be exact.
Now, there are reports that Reid could be offered up to $18 million dollars over a 10-year deal to come home and play for a Victorian club.
West Coast Eagles star Harley Reid is consoled by Luke Shuey. Getty
Reid is still contracted to the Eagles until at least 2026 under the draft rules, that lock youngsters into three-year contracts when they are picked up by clubs.
While it isn’t clear which clubs are in the hunt, Essendon has been heavily linked to Reid.
According to 9News Melbourne’s chief football reporter Tom Morris, the Bombers will stop at nothing to entice him home to Victoria.
“I just want to put a watch on Essendon and a big offer,” Morris said in May.
“Just put a watch on this. I’m not saying it’s happened yet, but the Bombers and Harley Reid, there’s just a lot of chat about them at the moment.
“It’s one to keep an eye on.”
Reid be available for selection when the Eagles take on Hawthorn at Optus Stadium on Sunday.