Eagles young gun Harley Reid “can’t help himself” when it comes to the push and shove his former coach has warned, but Adam Simpson says he can see the prized pick making an effort.
Reid was in the spotlight after last week’s off-the-ball antics against Brisbane that ultimately resulted in the teen receiving a $1000 fine for an obscene gesture to the Lions faithful at the Gabba in Round 2.
FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.
And the talented teen was back in the thick of the action against Fremantle on Sunday as scuffles broke out in the second and fourth quarters.
CHANCES ARE YOU’RE ABOUT TO LOSE. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
The last incident, where Reid knocked now four-time Glendinning-Allan Medallist Caleb Serong to the turf, left both Simpson and former Docker Matthew Pavlich questioning the antics.
“This incident here, I’m not quite sure it’s necessary. This is the stuff that is discussed throughout the week,” Simpson said on Fox Footy.
Longmuir ‘really proud’ of bounce back | 10:13
“He doesn’t need to do that. Serong took a dive as well – but it’s not necessary.
“You speak to Harley about this and we have last year and this year no doubt. It’s just going to take a lot to break it. It’s in him.”
“Is he not listening?” Pavlich questioned.
“He’s trying to listen,” Simpson replied.
“The competitive instinct, the eyes go into rage mode. There will be a time where it’s totally unacceptable. Right now, he’s trying to get better.
“I think for the most part today has been pretty good.
“One or two things pop up that doesn’t go his way – he can’t help himself. He’s working on it.
“Unfortunately, it’s the good with the bad. You poke the bear … I think he’s been a bully all his life at junior level.
“When someone provokes him, you get the best out of him. I think that’s what he tries to do to get going, which can work against you.”
Eagles coach Andrew McQualter defended his young rising star after the match as Reid was shifted to half back late in the loss to Fremantle.
“He was getting some attention from (Docker Matt) Johnson so we just thought the game needed something different,” he said.
“We thought we’d try him down back.
“Not many young players play AFL midfield straight away – it’s a hard task.
“Most midfielders are really senior guys that have been playing it for a long time.”
Eagles slump during ‘disappointing day’ | 08:29
Not working in Reid’s favour is vision after the Serong scuffle that showed the teen’s opponent Michael Frederick burn the young Eagle and set up a goal late for the Dockers.
“Nineteen-year-old still learning the game – but he’s got a lot to learn,” Pavlich said.
“Harley Reid standing right there next to Michael Frederick but he just let him go. All well and good to go and push and shove – but you’ve got to defend as well. That’s the good and the bad – actually that’s the bad and the bad.
“If you’re going to provoke, you’ve got to go and defend.”
Simpson, who coached Reid in his debut season at the club, said the Eagles would be working on the defensive aspect behind the scenes.
“That’s the coaching piece around that bit of play there. That’s the big thing we were working on – the transition piece. He’ll get that with fitness,” he said.
“The other stuff is something you’ve got to deal with but that bit of play right there, that’s the improvement you need.”
Reid finished his day with 15 disposals, five score involvements, three tackles, one clearance and a goal but also three frees against – the most of any Eagle in the Derby.
Discussion about this post