It’s reportedly more likely the Eagles keep the No. 1 draft pick and draft consensus top prospect Harley Reid rather than trade the selection.
That’s according to Western Australian journalist Ryan Daniels, who noted it’d take an “overwhelming” offer for West Coast to part ways with the prized opening pick.
It comes as the AFL’s new CBA agreement will include players taken in the first 20 picks in the National Draft made to sign three-season deals, adding an extra year from the original standardised two-season contracts.
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While reports earlier this season stated Reid and his management have privately indicated to clubs his preference is to remain in Victoria, Daniels suggested the added year of certainty would give West Coast more confidence to draft the Bendigos Pioneer product.
“That extra year buys West Coast some security, it buys them some leverage, it also buys you some time to say:’ ‘Hey Harley, WA’s pretty good’,” Daniels said on Triple M.
North Melbourne, who only climbed from 18th to 17th after the final round, is seen as the club best placed to make an offer for Pick 1 given it’s expected to get Pick 3 as free agency compensation for Ben McKay’s departure to Essendon in addition to its Pick 2.
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Other reports have stated the Eagles’ priority is landing top WA draft prospect Daniel Curtin, who could go as early as Pick 2.
However Daniels expects the Eagles will ultimately retain the No. 1 draft pick.
“The mail I’m getting now is they’re more likely to take Harley Reid than trade that pick – it’s been probably on the table as a 50-50 split at this point,” he added.
“The offer would have to be overwhelming. North will probably have (picks) 2 and 3, I don’t think they would (trade both). I think North Melbourne has come to that conclusion too, they have to be sensible about this.
“Pick 1, West Coast Eagles have it. Harley Reid, I think it’s now more likely they take him, still a lot of water to go under the bridge.”
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